How Jesus’ Love and Sacrifice Sets Us Free from the Sin God Hates
What is sin?
Sin is defined as anything that is contrary to the law or will of God.
It includes doing what is wrong and failing to do what is right.
The Hebrew word for sin used in the Old Testament is בלי (hhattah).
The Greek word used in the New Testament is ἁμαρτία (hamartia).
Both words simply mean “missing the mark.”
Jesus half-brother James wrote:
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
James 4:17
Paul wrote:
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 3:23
And John wrote:
If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
1 John 1:8–9
The Bible tells us that these are 7 Things God Hates:
1. Idol Worship.
Do not set up any stone pillar for idol worship; the Lord hates them.
Deuteronomy 16:22
2. Love for Violence.
The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.
Psalm 11:5
3. Prideful and Arrogant Behavior
4. Speaking Lies
5. Killing the Innocent
6. Planning and Doing Evil
7. Stirring up trouble in family and community
There are six things the Lord hates—
Proverbs 6:15–19
no, seven things He detests:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.
And Jesus said the following about sin:
Jesus said, “The things that come out of people are the things that make them unclean. All these evil things begin inside people, in the mind: evil thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, adultery, greed, evil actions, lying, doing sinful things, jealousy, speaking evil of others, pride, and foolish living. All these evil things come from inside and make people unclean.”
Mark 7:20–23 (NCV)
So, have I made you feel all better . . . sinless and clean? You’re not alone. I’m hanging my head over here, too.
Why talk about sin—the things God said He hates and Jesus called “evil”?
Because we’re all guilty – “we all have sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
We all need Jesus.
Next week is Holy Week . . . days we pause to focus on all Jesus sacrificed so that we might be forgiven and set free from sin.
Paul explained our need like this:
Understand what we are telling you: You can have forgiveness of your sins through Jesus. The law of Moses could not free you from your sins. But through Jesus, everyone who believes is free from all sins.
Acts 13:38–39 (NCV)
A Prayer Asking God to Forgive us and Set Us Free From Sin
Father God, Your love is evident in everything. In the past, the present, and the future. It is most evident through Your Son, Jesus. He told us how very much You love us . . . then He showed us by sacrificing everything for us making it possible for us to humbly come to You in prayer to ask for forgiveness.
I am so very sorry for my sin. I am self-righteous, prideful, and impatient. I’m not as loving and compassionate as You want me to be. Each day there are countless things I fail to do that I should and just as many things I do that I shouldn’t . . . all ways I fall short of Your will for me. Please forgive me and help me change.
I believe that through Jesus I am forgiven and set free from sin to serve You in love. (1 Peter 2:16) I thank and praise You. I love You. Please give me all I need today to live for Your glory. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
The Good News is that through Jesus you and I are set free.
We are set free from slavery to sin, from guilt and shame, from the enemy’s lies and our own self-righteousness. We are set free from sin, death, and the powers of evil.
We are free to trust and follow God’s will . . . free to be who we were created to be.
So, pause often in the coming days and celebrate the freedom you enjoy because of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. Count every blessing and thank Him for all He has done.
Yes, all of us are sinners, and without the love and forgiveness of Jesus, where would we be? Thanking Him today and every day for His sacrifice.
Blessings, Deb!
I am thanking and praising Him with you, Martha! Have a beautifully blessed weekend!
I am so grateful for the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. The fact that we were set free of the bondage of sin is so profound. I think we take this concept for granted to often.
It is such a blessing to pause and focus on all that He has done for us. God be with you as you celebrate His love this week.
Deb, thank you for your inspirational and encouraging post. I am so thankful that we have a Savior who washes our away our sin and who loves us so much. Thank you Jesus!
I appreciate your kind encouragement, Deborah. Thank you so much! God bless you!
Couple of Easter’s ago, the Lord showed me one of the most heartbreaking revelations. God promised NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US…..yet, He forsaken His One and Only Beloved Son so that we could have a relationship with Him. Can’t even imagine what Jesus felt on the Cross that made Him cry out to His Father that “why did He forsaken Him?!!!”. The One and Only Whom Jesus was always in unity with…
JESUS’ Sacrifice is wonderful on its own. It always pained my heart when I thought of all the physical pain, jeer, mockery He endured for my, our sake. Yet, I have a feeling that none of this came anywhere close to when He realized that His lifeline, His Heavenly Father turned from Him and poured out His wrath. On the One Who was always gentle, good, loving, caring and forgiving.
I agree, Gaby. I am overwhelmed by the thought that Jesus was willing to be forsaken by the Father to suffer the punishment I deserved. This life can be hard, I can’t imagine trying to do a moment of it without the strength and hope of God’s presence. God be with you and bless you this week!