Our judicial system may adjudicate the death penalty for horrendous crimes depending on state laws. However, according to the Apostle Paul, when we commit sin it carries the “eternal death penalty”. This should clue us in on how horrid our sin is and how holy God is. In truth, many of us consciously or subconsciously view our sin as being a “misdemeanor” that deserves a slap on the wrist as opposed to being a felony that deserves the electric chair.
Paul makes a stunning statement in Romans 1:
“Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things DESERVE TO DIE, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” (Rom. 1:32)
What are the “such things”?
“They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless” (Rom. 1:29-31).
The central point in which Paul is getting at is those who live in such manner literally deserve death. Why? Because the above actions transgress God’s law which means you and I deserve to die. As Paul writes in Rom. 6:23, “The wages of sin is death.”
However, do we really believe this? Do we agree with the statement that Paul makes, that is, we deserve death for our sin? Indeed, if you do not agree with that statement then you cannot understand the Gospel of grace.
If I cannot grasp the ugliness of my sin and agree that I deserve death for it, how can I value the grace found in Christ? Furthermore, if I do not agree I deserve death for my sin, why should I turn from it?
Indeed, the fact of merely agreeing with the above statement intellectually is half the battle. However, actually turning from our sin and seeking Christ (Matt.6:33) (even after we come to Christ) truly attest to regenerate faith.
Value what Jesus has purchased on the cross.
