Behold The Lamb of God John 1:19-29 7-13-97

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John 1:19-29

Sin is like a dirty diaper: when it comes into the room, no one wants to recognize it. Maybe it will go away. I don't want to have to be the one who is going to have to deal with this thing. It is not a good thing, and unless a change is made, it is only going to get worse.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

These verses remind us that people can get disconnected and lost in this world. They can be out of touch, living as if this life was only about their issues, oblivious to the work and call of God, and that they need help. These verses have been used by well-meaning Christians to "guilt" the lives of people. If you want to feel guilty, there are plenty of things for you to feel guilty about. But is this God's intent? Is He a cosmic kill-joy?

When we accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven. Ps. 103:12 -- As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. It's just as if we had never sinned.

If we are unsure of our standing with Christ, it is easy to feel guilty for every little thing. But when we know who we belong to, a relationship exists and we are free to live life. I talked to one friend this past week who is sure of his faith; life is too short to sweat the little things.

Friends, there is a pecking order in this world: Jesus Christ, then me. John the Baptist knew this. Whenever we think that someone else should tie our shoes, we are out of touch. We cannot, by our own authority, forgive sin. Time does not forgive sin. Acceptance and forgiveness by others does not forgive sin. Attending church does not forgive sin. Only God, through the ministry of Jesus Christ, forgives sin.

I encourage you today to think and remember that our goodness in this life is not based on your own righteousness. But hear the good news -- behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. I invite you to throw yourself on the mercies of God and accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and find the joy of the forgiveness of sins. You can't get it anywhere else; it is available only in the Kingdom of God.