Romans
6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but
the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus once faced off with an
angry group of teachers and Pharisees (John 8: 1-11) who were about to stone an
adulterous woman. Jesus said to them that whoever was without sin should be the
first to throw a stone at her. He did not say that the one who was without the
sin of adultery should throw the stone. Jesus implied that unless someone was
completely free from sin, he or she could not take it upon themselves to judge
another.
The Pharisees and teachers
of the law were good at throwing stones of moral judgment against other Jews
and Gentiles. They presumed that their having the Law of Moses at their
disposal qualified them to pronounce judgment and execute the penalty. Paul has
explained that all mankind are sinners (Romans 3:23) and rightfully due punishment
from God for their sins.
How, then, are Christians
different from non-Christians? The difference is in this verse. Christians have
accepted to receive the free gift of God’s forgiveness. The penalty for our
sins has been forgiven us because of Jesus’ death on the cross. He bore our
punishment. Christians live life believing they are forgiven. Their faith is in
Christ and His sacrifice for their punishment. Faith in Christ brings them
freedom from the future penalty and the temporal guilt of sin. Christians live
their lives in ways that please God and avoid sin.
Many people avoid
Christianity and Christians. They do not want a close relationship with God
because they feel unworthy. They think that God is only interested in “good”
people. Some will consider approaching God after they have cleaned themselves
up. These people fail to understand that all people sin and are equally guilty
before God. All of us are in need of His mercy. They fail to realize that only
sinners can come to Christ. He expects us to come to Him as we are lost but, in
His eyes, worthy of being restored.
