The Paralyzing Effects Of Sin

Jarrod Jacobs

            In spite of the fact that some treat sin as a “fairy-tale”, we need to understand that sin and its consequences are very real (Jas. 1:14-15). Sin has paralyzing effects on people. The longer we live in sin (Col. 3:5), the more paralyzed we become. How is this possible?

• Sin paralyzes the eye that it cannot see. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (II Pet. 1:9).
• Sin paralyzes the mouth that it cannot speak. “He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness” (I Sam. 2:9, ASV).
• Sin paralyzes the hand that it cannot work. “I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD” (Ps. 101:8).
• Sin paralyzes the feet that they cannot go. “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come” (Jn. 8:21).
• Sin paralyzes the ear that it cannot hear. “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word” (Jn. 8:43).
• Sin paralyzes the heart that it cannot trust. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13).

            Friends, determine today to get forgiveness of sin (Mk. 16:16; I Pet. 3:21). The Lord is ready to forgive and bless (Eph. 1:3) if we will come to Him!

“Do A Man’s Sins Affect His Soul?”

Jarrod Jacobs

                   Those who believe in the impossibility of apostasy argue that sins of the flesh do not affect the condition of the soul. In other words, the things the “outer man” might do has no effect on the “inner man”. Thus, the soul, cannot be lost because of the deeds or sins performed by the flesh. Does this sound like something you have heard before? It pains me to say this, but such teaching is false. In fact, there are several passages in the New Testament that shows this type of thinking is false (Matt. 15:18-19; II Cor. 7:1; Col. 3:5-6; Eph. 5:3-6; Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21, 6:7-8).

                   However, in studying the Bible, I have found two passages that are especially easy to understand on this subject. The first is, “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (I Pet. 2:11). Peter’s statement here shows that the sins of the flesh affect the soul. In fact, they “war against the soul.” Further, in II Corinthians 5:10, we read, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Could language be plainer? We will be judged by Christ according to what our flesh has done! How then can anyone argue that sins of the flesh do not jeopardize the destiny of the soul?

"Do Not Be Deceived"

Jarrod Jacobs

            God warned man many times in the Bible not to be deceived by certain things. For instance, He warned the Israelites not to let their heart be deceived by serving false gods (Deut. 11:16). Let us consider some other occasions when men were told not to be deceived.

            The apostle Paul told the Corinthians: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (I Cor. 6:9-10). In the same book, he also said, “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals” (I Cor. 15:33). To the Galatians, Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).

            Today, instead of saying, “Do not be deceived,” we might say, “Don’t fool yourself!” This is what God was saying -- don’t fool yourself, there are certain things that are true regardless of time and circumstances. Don’t fool yourself! You will reap what you sow. Your friends have an influence on you that can be dangerous. Sin will not be tolerated by God. Remember to not be guilty of worshipping false gods (idols). Yes, idolatry is alive and well today (Col. 3:5)!

            Don’t let anyone fool you; sin brings death (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:15).

Almost

Jarrod Jacobs

            The word “almost” is used several times in the Bible. Some of the times when this word is used include: 1) When the people were thirsty, Moses asked God, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” (Ex. 17:4). 2) When Asaph was frustrated when he saw the prosperity of the wicked, he said: “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled ...” (Ps. 73:2). 3) When Paul preached the gospel to Agrippa, he responded by saying, “Almost you persuade me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). What does “almost” imply?

            The word “almost” implies failure. In the case of Moses being stoned, or Asaph stumbling, that is good that it “almost” happened, but did not come to pass. However, in the case of Agrippa, it is different. Agrippa failed to believe and obey God. Therefore, he failed to be saved from his sins (Mk. 16:16). This is a tragedy!

            Also, the word “almost” implies sadness. In the case of Agrippa, it was sad to think he was so close to being saved, but he refused, and we never read in the Bible where he repented and was saved.

            Friend, don’t let your family follow your casket to your grave knowing that you were “almost” saved from your sins! Don’t die with your family knowing you failed at this! Truly great sadness is the result for the family left behind when someone dies in sin. Christ said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16). Please be more than “almost persuaded” but be “altogether” saved! (Acts 26:29) Become a Christian today!

Are You Free From Sin?

Jarrod Jacobs

            Salvation is something that is on people’s minds today. Certainly, the salvation of one’s own soul ought to be our concern (II Cor. 4:16; Ecc. 12:7). When Paul wrote the Romans, he told them that they were “set free from sin” (Rom. 6:18). When did this happen? Paul explains: “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin which leads to death, or of obedience which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Rom. 6:16-18).

            Notice that the Romans WERE the servants of sin, but NOW have been made free from sin. What happened? They were “obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching.” What is this? The standard of teaching can be found in Romans 6:3-5. Here, Paul talks about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those who are Christians have been “united with him in a death like his” to be raised “in a resurrection like his” (Rom. 6:5). When is one “planted” and “raised”? This happens when one is baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 8:35-39; 16:30-34)!

            Therefore, when one is “obedient from the heart” to the “standard of teaching” (not merely an “outward sign”); and is baptized for the remission of sins, he is THEN made free from sin. Are you free from sin?