Question:  Dear Greg,

            Is the gospel simply that Christ has died for the world’s sins, and the only sin that can be held against us is not accepting that sacrifice?  And the only reason that’s held against us is because then we would have to be the sacrifice for our sins?  And when we do sin now he does not even count it against us, but simply says, “you will reap what you sow” 

            Joe

Answer:  Dear Joe,

            I wouldn’t agree with your line of reasoning. 

1.      Jesus died for our sins.  The only way that we might be saved is to accept,

believe, and trust in what he has done for us, that his sacrifice and work on our behalf is complete and sufficient to pay for our sins.  With that I agree.

2.      However, the Bible is clear that Christians sin (see Romans 7—see also

1 John 1:8).  These passages and others demonstrate that Christians who have been given new life in Christ still live in the flesh, and that our sinful human nature can have its way with us.  When we sin, it is serious—for God is holy, righteous and just.  But he always forgives us—at great cost.  God does not compromise; he does not overlook sin.  Sin is serious business—which is why only Jesus Christ can cancel our note of sin, the indebtedness that we have.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht