Hating sin
Tuesday morning Phil and I went to the Henry Blackaby Bible study in Jonesboro. This month he spoke on trembling before the Lord. His point was that God blesses those who tremble before Him. The trembling shows a humble spirit that fears the Lord, and God desires for us to have a very healthy fear of Him. He always punishes sin. The Bible is full of references to His wrath against sin being poured out on individuals and countries. He does not change, so we need to ask ourselves if we tremble before Him, when we come into His presence and we hear His Word.
Several years ago I read a systematic theology book by Emory Bancroft. He quoted someone who said, "It is not enough to love the Lord; we must hate sin, too." That may not be an exact quote, but it is close. It is very true. We should hate sin and tremble at the thought of standing in the presence of a Holy God to be judged by His standard. We will need to do more than take off our shoes. We will fall on our faces and cry out like Isaiah, "Woe is me."
This does not eliminate the joy of the Lord. It is a great compliment to it. The fear of the Lord leads us to hate sin and draw closer to Him. Then, we will have more joy. Sin just robs our joy.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Kings 22-23 and John 4:31-54.
Several years ago I read a systematic theology book by Emory Bancroft. He quoted someone who said, "It is not enough to love the Lord; we must hate sin, too." That may not be an exact quote, but it is close. It is very true. We should hate sin and tremble at the thought of standing in the presence of a Holy God to be judged by His standard. We will need to do more than take off our shoes. We will fall on our faces and cry out like Isaiah, "Woe is me."
This does not eliminate the joy of the Lord. It is a great compliment to it. The fear of the Lord leads us to hate sin and draw closer to Him. Then, we will have more joy. Sin just robs our joy.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Kings 22-23 and John 4:31-54.