One of the most neglected words in the world today is the word sin. It seems that no one wants to admit that there is such a thing any more. We may speak of psychoses or neuroses but never sin. Sin is said to be an old-fashioned concept that is no longer relevant today. It is very difficult to get people to say, I have sinned. Often a brother will come before the church to ask for the prayers of the church and forgiveness if I have sinned. No one wants to be specific and admit that sin is in our life. Yet, before sin can be forgiven it must be faced and confessed John reminds us that, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

The terribleness of sin is pictured often in the scriptures. We must come to realize that it is the most awful blight upon the human race and then seek the remedy for it. It’s awfulness may be impressed on us in several ways.

It’s awfulness is seen in it’s origin. Satan is the father of all sin. Everything that is horribly evil is from Satan. The scriptures warn, He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. 1 John 3.8. Nothing good has come from Satan.

It’s awfulness is seen in it’s consequences. Sin has brought untold misery and suffering into the world. Literally billions of people have suffered because of it. All the anguish in the world is primarily due to sin. Eventually sin always brings destruction.

It’s awfulness is seen in it’s wages. Scripture teaches us, The wages of sin is death. Romans 6.23. Nothing else in all the world rewards it’s servants in such a sorry way as does sin. We may be assured that sin, when it is finished bringeth forth death. James 1.15.

It’s awfulness is seen in what it has cost. The cost of sin cannot be measured. Purely in dollars and cents, it has cost uncounted billions in wasted lives and resources. But the greatest cost was the life of the Son of God. God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5.8.