It is good for us to spend time in the Old testament of the bible and be reminded that God has zero tolerance for sin. This is portrayed graphically in his dealings with Israel and Judah as he allowed them to be taken into exile because of their rebellion and sin (2 Kings). We are exhorted also to hate evil (Ps 97:10).

In the New Testament we are told that sin causes spiritual death (Rom 6:23) and separation from God; all people sin (Rom 3:23). Jesus paid the price for our sins by his sacrificial death (1 Peter 3:18) and won justification for us (Rom 3:24). Justification simply mean that if we repent, ask his forgiveness and ask him into our life as Lord and Savior we are made, just as if we had never sinned. Our sins were washed away by his blood (Rev 1:5), the price was paid and God sees us as righteous in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:21).

Does this mean God has gone soft on sin? Absolutely not (1 John 1:5). We are told as Christians that we should not go on willfully sinning (1 John 3:6-9). But we are still flesh and blood and we will sin (1 John 1:8), but if we repent and ask God’s forgiveness, he is quick to forgive (1 John 1:9).

The next question is, as Christians, are we soft on Sin? Do we have things in our lives that we wink at or ignore? You might say: well, you know, God knows I get it mostly right but I am sure he can tolerate a few minor issues? But God is still black and white on sin and he tells us to take of the old man and put on the new (Eph 4:22-24). That’s all of the old man and all of the new. Let’s not limit God in our lives by ignoring sin.

Now don’t get condemned, God knows our hearts (Ps 44:21) and as we desire to be everything he wants us to be, he will provide grace to help us to change (Eph 1:7-9). Paul never claimed to be perfect (Phil 3:12) and God does not expect us to change overnight. Keep on keeping on, the blessings are amazing.