This month we continue our series explaining the key elements of the Gospel message. So far, we have looked at:
1. Jesus is the center of the Gospel, just as He is the source and center of all things.
2. The holiness of God is essential in presenting the Gospel.
Now we turn to the subject of human sinfulness. The Bible plainly says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God†(Romans 3:23), and “The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one†(Psalm 14:2-3). Jesus simply described human beings as “evil†(Luke 11:13).
I think it is important that our condition as sinners be seen from God’s point of view. In considering God’s holiness, we realize that His requirement for moral perfection among His creatures is simply a reflection of God’s nature. He is unfailingly, uncompromisingly good, or righteous. That human beings fall short of righteousness is a serious matter.
In talking with modern people, who rarely think in terms of “sin†and “righteousness,†I will often use language they can identify with more: “Moral pollution†is one example. Our sin corrupts and fouls God’s perfect creation. We make what was good into something evil.
All of human history and all of the great literature of mankind point to the pervasiveness of human evil. Selfishness, greed, corruption, bigotry, anger, and injustice are everywhere. Modern society and science has made no progress in curing human beings of moral corruption. The world around us bears constant witness to human sin. It is often said that the doctrine of human corruption (man’s fallen condition) is the only major Christian doctrine for which we have abundant, continual evidence before us every day.
How do I tell someone they are a sinner? It may indeed help to point to God’s Law, including of course the Ten Commandments (especially as used by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount). This is God’s standard of righteousness by which we can measure ourselves. Some people really do believe they are “good†if they haven’t murdered anybody. But most people, I think, know in their hearts they are sinners. I am comfortable talking to people as if they know it, because I know they are as bad as I am. Tell people to look at their own internal desires. There is much to be ashamed of there, though we may put on a kind face.
The great philosopher Blaise Pascal said,
“Unless we know ourselves to be full of pride, ambition, concupiscence, weakness, wretchedness, and unrighteousness, we are truly blind.†Many people are blind to this, but many also have a sense of it.
Jesus said sin comes from the human heart (Matthew 15:18-19). An honest person will confirm this about their own heart.
Remember, you can’t make someone have conviction over their sin. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. But do include sin when you share the Gospel. You will be talking to a sinner, and down inside they know it. And the salvation Jesus purchased is all about sin. No sin, no Savior! We will look at Christ as Savior next time. Other Scriptures you may wish to consult and even memorize: Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 59:2, John 3:19, 1 Kings 8:46, 1 John 4:3, James 2:10
Yours in Christ,
Originally printed in The AFBC Pony Express. Vol. XII, No. 11, November 2019.