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Uncontrolled disease can be horrific. With the current worries about the spread of a new coronavirus dubbed “COVID-19,” we have heard the terms “epidemic” and “pandemic” tossed around quite a bit. An epidemic occurs when a disease affects a greater number of people than is usual for an area, and a pandemic is when that epidemic goes worldwide. With pandemics, health officials search diligently for the cause, the mode of transmission, and possible clues to protecting the world population.
As governments and health systems struggle to cope with the COVID-19 crisis, we are reminded of the worldwide scourge of sin. Immorality and disobedience to God’s word definitely qualifies as a pandemic, because since the beginning of time it has swept across the globe, infecting and destroying millions upon millions of souls. Unlike COVID-19, we know the details of where sin comes from, how it is transmitted, and how it can be cured.
Sin has a cause. Some believe Satan, or even Adam and Eve, are ultimately responsible for sin. But the root cause of sin is found in every heart that seeks it’s own will versus the will of the Father (James 1:14-15).
Sin is contagious. We would like to think that our lives don’t affect others, but we would be sorely mistaken. The apostle Paul said that “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33). We can be infected by sinful examples around us, and transmit it to others by our own example.
Sin is curable. While finding cures for biological disease is sometimes tricky, the cure for sin is straightforward and has been given by God’s revelation. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was a payment for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Those who believe (John 8:24), confess Him openly (Matt. 10:32-33), repent (Acts 17:30-31), and are baptized in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16) will be cleansed of all past sins. After initial cleansing, we have continual cleansing by confessing our sins to Him and walking in the light (1 John 1:7-10).
Yes, there is a pandemic of sin rounding the globe, and the effects are far greater than any physical virus. But thanks be to God who has given us the cure through His Son Jesus the Christ!
Matt Clifton
BulletinDigest.com