1 John 1:8 English Standard Version (ESV) If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Sin is deceitful, let us begin with that. Over the years I have had several heated discussions about sin. People do not like to be told that what they are doing is sinful. So to begin this session on critical understanding I went to BLB.ORG and looked up sin. I found 65 different bible dictionaries on the subject. One even had 8 different categories under their 5^th subset. Why not have one simple definition that everyone can agree upon?

Romans 14:14 English Standard Version (ESV) I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.

The liberal interpretation of this verse is, I determine what is sinful and what is not. The reasoning behind some of this thinking is rooted in consequences of sin. If we do not suffer consequences, then it must not be sin. That ignores the fact that others, perhaps our children, will suffer the consequences of our sins. Sin is deceitful in how it convinces sinners that they are alright.

If we do not have a clear understanding of sin, how will we avoid it? God gave us Ten Commandments which were not clear enough so we got 603 more to make things clearer. Do we know them all? Do we obey them all? We live under grace not law, so now we don’t have to obey them? That is sin’s deceit.

Romans 16:25-27 English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁵ Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages ²⁶ but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— ²⁷ to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

The mystery is Christ in us which brings about living by faith. Sin is not the issue if we live by faith.

Uncle Albert – Lyrics by Paul McCartney

We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert
We’re so sorry if we caused you any pain
We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert
But there’s no one left at home
And I believe I’m gonna rain

We’re so sorry but we haven’t heard a thing all day
We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert
But if anything should happen we’ll be sure to give a ring

This is not repentance, not even close, yet in an odd way it is how many repent.

“I am sorry Lord, forgive me. If it should happen again, I’ll be back.”

2 Corinthians 7:10 English Standard Version (ESV) For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Repentance that is not painful to the heart of man produces no change in behavior. It is a worldly sorrow that says I do not want to get caught, so I will be more careful next time not to get caught. That doesn’t work for God.

Hebrews 4:12 English Standard Version (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Acknowledgement of wrong in the mind is meaningless without a change of heart. So often we think of repentance as changing direction, turning back to God and ignore what led us to go astray in the first place.