GP4. Sin is both in Action and in Thought
Sin whether in Action or in Thought defiles Man.
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Key Points
- Man thinks that he can keep his wrongdoings secret but does not realize that his every transgression is visible to God.
- Jesus says that just by our very thoughts, we have sinned.
- Man thinks that he can keep his wrongdoings secret but does not realize that his every transgression is visible to God.
- Jesus says that just by our very thoughts, we have sinned.
The Word
- "20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man." Mark 7:20-23
- "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matt 5:27-28
- "Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." Ps 44:21
Description
NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER
We can only see the outward appearance of a person but God looks into the 'actions of the heart' (Matt 15:18-19).
Fleeting thoughts appear to be harmless because they were not acted upon. Jesus says that when a man merely looks at another woman with lust, he has committed adultery with her (Matt 5:27-28).
The simple fact remains that no person can live every moment of his or her life without committing a sinful thought. Even when man’s conscience flags a wrongdoing, it is dismissed or justified by man's deceitful heart.
Going by the Bible, no man is good (Luke 18:19) and anyone who claims to be without sin is a liar (1 John 1:8,10). This sounds extremely harsh given that by society's standards, there are people deemed to be good and even saintly. However, consider this. Moral standards vary from one person to another, and from one community to another. Human standards can change and be calibrated according to popular vote and consensus. Even amongst nations, moral standards can change at the stroke of a pen when a new government is appointed into office.
God does not change from one moment to the next (Hebrews 13:8) in His absolute holiness and righteousness, He has established a single holy standard by which all of mankind, through all generations, throughout time will be judged. We might not agree with Him but then again, none of us can even come close to His holiness and righteousness no matter how hard we try.
God wants us to be like Him (1 Peter 1:15-16) in order to safeguard our souls and distance ourselves from evil and wickedness of thought and action. However, God knows that we are born with sin and are already fallen and unable to fulfill His law no matter how hard we try (Ps 103:14). The most dedicated Christians amongst us will still struggle to be like Christ. From thousands of years ago, the Israelites tried and failed. God’s law makes us painfully aware that we are Sinners and shows how far we fall short of His glory.
Version 23.1.0
