https://thepreachersword.com/2015/06/04/does-sin-negate-the-christian-faith/
Does Sin Negate the Christian Faith?
Last night Norma Jean and I watched Megyn Kelly’s exclusive interview with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar as they discussed the child molestation charges against their son, Josh.
Leading up to the interview we saw clips of the intense criticism toward the Duggar family from various news outlets. They have been called “hypocrites” and much worse. The vitriolic venom emanating from some sources has been excoriating.
To be clear, the purpose of today’s post is certainly not to condone Josh Duggar’s sinful behavior when he was a teenager. It is not to pass judgment on the response of his parents. It is not to defend the Duggar family per sae. I’ve not been a fan or follower of their reality show on TLC “19 Kids and Counting.” And it’s not to critique their interview with Megyn Kelly!
However, I am concerned about the reaction by the main-stream media and secular progressives when it is discovered that someone with professed Christian values has committed a sin, or is dealing with sin in their family.
For instance, the Duggars have been outspoken regarding their moral beliefs. Like many Christians, they are opposed to abortion, homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Does this revelation about their son, Josh, suddenly invalidate their Faith? Are their beliefs proven false due to the lapse in moral judgment by a family member? Does it make them hypocrites for condemning sin when one of their own has sinned?
As you contemplate these questions, consider this passage from 1 John 1:5-10.
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Here are 6 facts I learn from this text.
(1) We all sin.
(2) To deny that we sin makes us liars.
(3) However, God does not want us to live in sin. Walk in sin. Continue in sin.
(4) God requires confession of our sins.
(5) When we confess our sins, God will forgive us.
(6) Walking in the light of Christ creates an atmosphere of righteous living and provides cleansing, when we confess.
While our sin may diminish our influence and damage our credibility, it does not change God’s Truth! The existence of God, the reliability of Scripture and the credence of Christianity is not dependant upon the perfection of its adherents.
Bible heroes were not infallible, but people with failings and flaws. Abraham lied, but he is called the friend of God. Moses doubted and even disobeyed, but is still hailed as a man of faith. David committed adultery, but is identified as “a man after God’s own heart.” Peter denied Jesus, yet was given “the keys of the kingdom and became a great apostle, preacher and pastor. Each one repented, returned to God and received restoration.
It is good to remember that as Christians we are not perfect, but we are pardoned. We are not sinless, but we are saved. Christ has redeemed us by His blood (Eph. 1:7).
Yes, one’s sinful actions cause hurt, shame, and sorrow, as well as long-term consequences, but they do not nullify our Faith or negate the Truth of Christianity. In fact, it only highlights our continual need for Jesus and His absolute forgiveness.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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