Sin and the Lamb

 We are all sinners. I’m a sinner, you are a sinner, your grandma is a sinner, all of us sin. It has been this way since the creation of man and its early fall into sin. When Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil as we read in both Genesis 2:16 and Genesis 3:6, she introduced sin into the world and thus marked the departure of humanity from God’s perfect design. This inherent sinfulness is seen as a spiritual condition that separates individuals from God and predisposes us to wrongdoing.

 The apostle Paul elaborates on this concept in Romans 5:12, stating, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way, death came to all people because all sinned.” According to this perspective, the sin of Adam and its consequences are transmitted to each subsequent generation. 

The enemy is of this world, and thus, the highway to hell was paved on Earth. Alcohol, drugs, Hollywood, fortune, fame, lust of the flesh, ‘new age’ books and trinkets, and even some music, are all a part of his plan to lead us further away from God; to make us all eat from the fruit like Adam and Eve. We may think some things are innocent, but it is rooted in pure evil. Our society idolizes entertainers, athletes, politicians, and models, when the only thing we should idol is The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth who is but one God with the Father and Holy Ghost. 

Romans 12:2 advises us not to conform to the pattern of this world, reminiscent of the disobedience exhibited in Genesis 3, but to be transformed by the renewing of minds. Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

 Although we are all natural born sinners, The Lord’s will is to have us sit at his table. John 1:29 states, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This verse encapsulates the purpose of Jesus’ mission on Earth – to serve as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice, atoning for the sins of all humanity. Jesus, being sinless, willingly offered Himself on the cross as the Lamb of God, shedding His blood to cleanse humanity from sin. Peter 1:18-19 tells us, “You were ransomed… not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” When we begin to understand and appreciate Jesus as the Lamb who washes away the sins of the world, it is a powerful reminder of the grace extended to humanity through his sacrifice, providing a path to salvation and eternal life for all who place their faith in Him.

 Revelation 7:14-17 reveals a wonderful truth: “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” This symbolic cleansing reminds us that through our faith in Christ, we find redemption and purity. This act signifies the forgiveness of sins and the transformation of our lives by embracing the redemptive power of His blood. It is through Jesus’ blood that was shed on the cross that we are to be made righteous before God. The cleansing is not merely surface purification but a renewal of our inner being. In the midst of tribulations, the Lamb provides shelter, and tears are wiped away.

 In providing shelter and guidance in the heat of our trials and tribulations, this underscores the comforting role of Jesus as our Shepherd. In times of distress, we find solace and strength in His unwavering love and care. Through wiping away every tear, we are met with the hope of a perfect and eternal existence with God. This will be the end of sorrow and the beginning of a new joy-filled reality for those who follow the Lamb. This promise encourages us to persevere through difficulties, knowing that the most glorious future awaits.

 The imagery of leading to springs of living water places importance on the abundance and vitality of the life that Christ offers. Just as physical water is essential for sustaining life, the living water provided by Jesus satisfies the deepest longings of the soul and ensures spiritual vitality. Let theses verses inspire gratitude for the eternal promise of God’s presence, guiding us to springs of living water. As we journey, may we serve Him tirelessly, knowing that the Lamb, our Shepherd, will lead us to everlasting joy in His divine presence. Amen.