People have many reasons for not attending church on Sunday or participating in spiritual activities during the week. In fact, excuses are abundant. For instance, I have heard people say, “I’d like to go to church, but I was up late.” And, “I really should join a Bible study, but I’m just so busy.” Or, “My children would like to attend youth group, but I just can’t add one more thing to my schedule.” These might all seem to be legiti- mate reasons for not observing the Sabbath, but they are, ultimately, excuses. People are not easily roused to action, but they are quick to defend why they don’t act.
These are just typical examples. However, our proficiency in making excuse spills over into other areas of our spiritual lives. Instead of facing and confessing our sin, we make excuses for the sin in our lives. Making an excuse for our sin does not remedy sin. We know the solution is faith in Jesus Christ, but we do not heed the call to come to Christ for salvation, through the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we let sin fester in our hearts, minds and souls. An excuse does not change the condition of sin.
Christ is the change agent. Christ did not come into the world to listen to our excuses for sin. Nor did He come to excuse our sin. Christ came into the world to endure our sin on the cross and take the punishment we deserved for our transgressions against God.
Jesus bled and died for our sin. His atoning sacrifice set us free from sin and its consequence, death. Therefore, we no longer have an excuse for our sin; the cross is God’s divine remedy for sin.
Jesus said, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin” (John 15:22).
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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Godnesia: Keeping God in Mind Each Day http://amzn.to/2GSquOD
Ordinary Days With an Extraordinary Savior – http://amzn.to/2mFGASBLife Is a Metaphor: Recognizing God in the Everyday – http://amzn.to/2De1rU2