The sin virus

Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. — Romans 6:18

The H1N1 pandemic focused the world’s attention on viruses. Viruses are living organisms that need a host to survive and wreak their havoc. In some cases, a virus can be present for many years before the host is even aware of it. During that time, the virus can inflict widespread and untold damage. Take it away from the host, and it remains dormant or dies.

In a similar way, sin needs a host to stay alive. By themselves, sin such as pride, greed, anger, and selfishness are mere words. But when sin overpowers a human host, it works to destroy it for as long as the host is alive.

Thankfully, because of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, Christians have been positionally “set free from sin” (Rom. 6:18). Even though we still sin, the Holy Spirit who lives in us helps us to resist that “sin virus,” the lust of the flesh (Gal. 5:16). The apostle John tells us: “Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning because God’s life is in them” (1 John 3:9 NLT). Now we walk in dependence upon the Spirit, and one day we will stand “faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24).

Isn’t that a great comfort for you as you step out today into a world infected by the “virus” of sin? — C. P. Hia

The Great Physician holds the cure

That kills the virus of our sin;

It’s by His own atoning blood

That we’re made whole and pure within.  — D. De Haan

READ: Romans 6:14-23

Sin is the disease, Christ is the cure.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 63-65

• Romans 6