SCRIPTURE: Genesis 9
Our nation’s culture and even our laws have begun to tolerate or ignore actions that our God calls sin and now we’re moving to a place where sin is celebrated and even encouraged. Many of our TV shows and movies send a message of anything goes when it comes to pleasure and sex outside of marriage. Drug use is destroying individuals and families and yet we see it being legalized in more states. Sin has always been around, so I am not being an alarmist, but today there seems to be a movement to eliminate any concept of shame or indecency. People don’t want to feel bad about what they do, so society accepts all behavior as OK.
It is not our job to judge the sins of others, Jesus told us to leave that to God; but as Christians, are we guilty of joining in the celebration of sin? God designed our bodies beautifully, but only to be enjoyed within marriage. Are we guilty of showing off too much of our bodies in public without shame?
As we continue in the origins book of Genesis, we will see the blessings from God and curses that come from ignoring sin and shame.
OUR SHAME
The shame of sin is a real thing. According to Romans 1:18-21, people have no excuse for their sin. The conscience is aware of right and wrong and the creation makes God visible to all. Rather than turning to God and His glory, we continue to sin and make excuses or make sin acceptable so that we don’t feel bad. Psychology tries to tell people to not feel guilty or ashamed. If it is for someone else’s actions or for something that is not wrong, that is legitimate. We don’t need to be ashamed of our social status or for something our parents did. But we are each responsible for our own actions and words.
GOD’S SOLUTION
Our sin separates us from God. Is there anything we can about our own sin and shame? The solutions was Jesus Christ, God’s Son, took our shame, our sin upon Himself on the cross. He was exposed, naked, spat upon, mocked, and hung on a tree. Jesus was considered “cursed by God” (Deut. 21:23).
“For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Cor. 5:21
Through the Gospel our shame has been undone. Have you been to the cross? Have you let Jesus take your sin and shame? Come talk to me if you are ready to do that today. At the cross this incredible trade happens. Jesus takes all our shame, all our dirt, all the sin we try to hide. In exchange He gives us His purity, His righteousness, His holiness. His reputation is now ours. In Christ our identity has changed. We are now beloved,
“a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Believers, are you still carrying your sin and shame around with you?
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Jesus death on the cross paid the penalty for your sins, but on-going confession brings us back into fellowship with God.
