The problems and trials of life in this world are endless.
We face problems of wars and conflict, floods and earthquakes, poverty and
hunger. We also have many personal problems like finances, health,
relationships between spouses, relationships between parents and children, and
so on. Finally, we have the problem of sickness and inevitable death. But our
greatest problem is sin.
2) The original and personal sin
From the beginning, we have a sinful nature. Adam and Eve
disobeyed God's commandment and sin entered mankind. The good relationship
between man and God was broken. Adam is the natural head of the human race and
his sin has passed to the entire human race. This is the original sin.
Furthermore we are guilty because of our own sins. The Holy Spirit inclines us
to do what is good, but our sinful nature draws us away in the direction of
sin. This is the personal sin.
3) The result of sin is death
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Physical death is unavoidable. Man or woman, rich or poor,
young or old, death will come to all at any time, any moment. There is no rule
which says the old ones will die first. From dust, we were formed, and to dust,
we return. But there is a greater death than physical death, spiritual death.
This is the worst death because it is eternal separation from God.
4) The way out of sin and death
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
(John 3:16).
Only Jesus can save us from sin, condemnation, and death.
Only in him can we find eternal life. God's love for mankind offers only two
options: to believe or to perish. Eternal life is a gift of God accepted by
believing in Jesus. To perish does not mean to cease to exist or total
annihilation. It means eternal torment in the fiery pit of fire.
5) Where are you?
“But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’”
(Genesis 3:9)
The question, "Where are you?" is called the
Greatest Love Question of the Bible. After their disobedience, instead of
welcoming divine fellowship, Adam and Eve hid from the Lord. They were hiding
not merely because of their nakedness but more out of a sense of guilt of sin.
Their previous God-consciousness was replaced by self-consciousness.
Can anyone hide from the Lord? Didn’t God know where they
were hiding? Of course, he knew. God is omnipresent. God is omniscient. But the
voice of Elohim, "Where are you?" solicited more than their physical
presence. His question was more of a cry of anguish over the man who he loved
above all else but couldn’t keep his command.
The question, "Where are you?" in this verse is
called the 'Greatest Love Question of the Bible'. After their disobedience,
instead of welcoming divine fellowship, Adam and Eve hid from the Lord. They
were hiding not merely because of their nakedness as Adam claimed but more out
of a sense of guilt of sin. The God-consciousness was replaced by self-consciousness.
This question “Where are you?” is the
call of divine justice, which cannot overlook sin.
This question is the call of divine
sorrow, which grieves over the sinner.
This question is the call of divine
love, which offers redemption for sin.
This question still sounds in the ear of every sinner. To
every one of us the call is reiterated, "Where are you?" (WH Griffith
Thomas)
6) Jesus is waiting at the door:
In Revelation 3:20, we see the picture of Jesus standing at
the door. He is knocking at the door and not breaking it down to enter. It is
the one inside who must open it. To accept Jesus as our Lord and Redeemer, we
must open the door personally for him and let him transform us into new
creations with new hearts. The waiting at the door signifies the great patience
over sinners to repent and accepted him as the Lord and Saviour of their lives
so that they will partake in the long awaited marriage feast.
7) The question is still echoing:
The question "Where are you?" of the call of divine
love, which offers redemption for sin, is still echoing. God is not seeking an
excuse to condemn human beings but is rather endeavouring to save them. Examine
yourself and ask where you are now in your relationship with the Good Shepherd
who laid down his life for you. Invite him, not as a guest but as the Lord and
the Master of your life.
