The Jesus Bible Reading Plan / Day 4

The Jesus Bible Reading Plan

Day 4 of 365 SIN The exact nature of the sin described in these verses is perplexing to most readers. While the actions are somewhat unclear, what is abundantly evident is the fact that God's good, created order has been corrupted by human rebellion. The people have done the very thing God commanded them to do in the garden - they have been fruitful and multiplied and filled the earth (Ge 1:28). Sadly, rather than filling the earth with image-bearers who reflect God's glory, they have instead filled the earth with brokenness. Interestingly, the sin recounted here describes the people seeing something as beautiful and pursuing that thing in rebellion to God's command, as did Adam and Eve. Rather than submitting to the command of God and trusting the goodness of his dictates, the first couple chose to trust their eyes and follow the lusts of their hearts (Ge 3:1 - 7). At its core, this is the nature of all sin. God, the Creator of all things, knows best how the human life should be lived. He provides clear guidance on his good and gracious plans for humanity, which are ultimately for good. Sin is rooted in unbelief in the promises of God. Rather than trusting in the ways of God, all people choose to follow the desires of their own hearts and, in so doing, elevate themselves to the position of God. People believe they know better than God; therefore, they run after the lusts of their hearts and the desires of their eyes. John warns, however, that these things are passing away and so are those who live their lives in pursuit of them. Only those who do "the will of God" can live (1Jn 2:16 - 17). But, how does one do the will of God? The implications of Adam's sin and the fall are not merely that all people make bad decisions, yet if they try hard enough they can keep God's law. Rather, sin renders all people unable to keep God's law and trapped in the shackles of their sin. Jesus perfectly and completely lived the life they could not live, no matter how hard they tried. Those who are aware of their inability to keep God's law can turn to Christ in repentance and faith and be given the free gift of righteousness. By grace, God credits the perfection of Jesus to men and women who could never earn it by their own merit (2Co 5:21). Jesus, forgive me for my rebellion, my unbelief, and my arrogance. Thank you for living the perfect life that made my salvation possible. Amen. Genesis 6:1-8 NASB 1 Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. 3 Then the L ord said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. 5 Then the L ord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 The L ord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 The L ord said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the L ord . 1 John 2:16-17 NASB 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.