When we begin to look closely at someone’s life, we can discover flaws that are; disturbing, wrong and even repugnant. In some circumstances this discovery may lead to physical and social separation. We live today in a ‘cancel culture’, meaning, support is withdrawn (cancelled) from public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive. The effects of this are far-reaching on social media platforms, and can carry serious consequences.
However, it is not just those in the public eye that have hidden sin. We too are reluctant to shine the torch of truth on our private lives, because we all have skeletons in our closets, and hide our flaws.
Typically, we barely need to scratch the surface of someone’s life to find 'dirt'. My question is this; is there a person who has nothing to hide, is completely transparent and no matter how far down we dig, no sin will be found?
The Bible has such a man, his name is Jesus Christ and he is the Son of God. He is described in the Bible as sinless. A man completely perfect and holy. People from every conceivable angle tried to find fault in him, but their search was in vain.
The Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, at the trial of Jesus, stood before him and concluded “I find no fault in this man” (Luke 23:4). Pilate’s wife confessed that he was a “just man” (Matthew 27:19). Looking up at Jesus on the cross was a Roman centurion who said, “certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47). Beside Jesus on the cross was a thief, and he too concluded that, “this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41). Finally, from heaven above, God the Father said of the Lord Jesus “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). No matter the microscope you use to scrutinise his life; no speck, discrepancy or sin can be found.
Jesus Christ knew no sin and did no sin – yet he died for us. The only righteous man that has ever lived, died for us, the unrighteous. The point is clear, he was sinless, and only a sinless sacrifice can pay for our sins. The payment for sin has been settled, and now the guilty can be pardoned. Unlike the world who are reluctant to forgive any sins, the Lord Jesus died, rose again and offers forgiveness of sins. We must repent of breaking Gods law, and believe in him as the only Saviour of sinners.
Men like Lee Strobel; a spiritual sceptic, have tried and failed to disprove the resurrection and after years of diligent research have come to conclude that Jesus Christ is who he claimed to be – the Saviour of the world (1 John 4:14). Because the Lord Jesus died for our sins and rose again, he can forgive us of all that we have done wrong. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Unlike the world, who will cancel you out in a moment, the Lord Jesus will not! He will blot out your sins if you repent and believe that he came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). I Rees