The Seriousness of Sin

Sin is deadly, and it ruins lives. When Christians are involved in sin, it not only harms them, but it also reflects negatively on their Savior and His church.   Conversely, dealing with sin and doctrinal error has a purifying effect in the church.

Acts 5 is a detailed account of what happened to two individuals who did not take sin seriously. Ananias and Sapphira attempted to lie to the Holy Spirit by trying to deceive the Apostles. They had sold a piece of land for a certain price and told them that were going to give it all to the church. However, they were not truthful about the price and held some back for personal gain. No doubt they paraded their gift before the whole church desiring to look holy, but their sin cost them their lives as God struck them dead for their sin.

The response of the church and surrounding area is understandably one of “great fear.” God’s swift dealing with Ananias and Sapphira was anything but “seeker friendly.” Yet it illustrates how important purity is to God, and how He blesses purity. For later in the chapter it says, “None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord…” (vv. 13-14).  God blessed the church, and it grew because it was able to proclaim the gospel without hypocrisy. John MacArthur powerfully comments on this passage by writing:

Uncompromising commitment to holiness characterized these believers—not the fearful commitment of self-righteous legalism but one springing out of love for the Lord. They were a fearful group, and that kept those who loved their sin away, and those who wanted forgiveness for sin near. That stands in sharp contrast to the masses of uncommitted, even unsaved, people that feel comfortable in the church today. The failure of churches to preach holy living, and to discipline those who don’t live that way, allows sinners and hypocrites to remain in the church, convoluting its direction, sapping its power, robbing it of purity and marring its testimony. Men may build their churches with a tolerance for sin, but the Lord builds His among people who love holiness and hate and expose sin.

God does not play church, and He is serious about sin. This week I pray that you take sin as seriously as God does.