Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

(Continued from Day 76)

Sin also includes our thoughts, words, deeds, and motives. And some people will say, “Well, it’s not like we’re breaking the law or doing anything bad.” Here’s what I would tell them: it’s worse than that— it’s a cosmic crime. You think nobody got hurt? God was hurt. You didn’t break the law? You broke God’s law. You didn’t do anything wrong? God says you did. Sin and the Fall help us to realize that this world has some truly dangerous and evil people so that we can protect the vulnerable, starting with children.

Part of what the Bible teaches us is the freedom to have a category of people who are evil. If you are a parent and all you tell your children is, “People have good hearts, so give everyone the benefit of the doubt,” then you are placing them in harm’s way. Now, most people are just foolish, but sin is like gravity—if you don’t pursue wisdom, foolishness will eventually pull you toward evil. Some people have run through the restraints and constraints God has given, sliding from total depravity into utter depravity. They’re evil, and they’re dangerous. When evil happens, someone must do what Jesus did and get in the middle to protect the innocent. This is love.

Some people ask, “How could a loving God judge people? How could a loving God send people to hell?” My answer is, “How could a loving God not?” I’ve got a door on my home, and if you kick it down, I will get between you and my family because I love them. God has a family and a home; if you want to be part of His family, you’re welcome in His home. But if you want to harm the family, you will deal with the Father.

Today’s Reflection

Which of the items in the list of the world versus the Word do you struggle most to believe? Why did you choose that answer?