Knowledge of Sin

When sin has you confused about what is right and wrong. Donkeys in Zambia. 

Scripture:

For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

(Rom. 3:20 NRSV)

Observation:

Paul continues to tell the church in Rome that humanity, whether Jew or Gentile, will not be saved by works. This includes the righteous works of those who follow the law of God. Justification before God does not come from the law, but rather, the law exists so that all might have knowledge of sin. In other words, without God’s law, we don’t know what is right and wrong, and therefore we don’t recognize sin. Previously Paul had stressed that this moral law of God had been written on the hearts of all of humanity, both Jew and Gentile, and therefore no one is excused for their sins, and all will be held accountable. 

Application:

In a world where everything has become relative, its becoming increasingly difficult for people to agree on any kind of a definition of sin. The reality is that everyone seems to have their own perspective of sin and its just as polarizing as the political landscape. What one calls sin, another calls freedom, what another calls freedom, the other calls sin. Lest we become discouraged, somehow I don’t think that this description is not too far off from first-century Rome. 

The Jews thought that they were “saved” because they followed the righteous law. Standing in judgement of the Gentiles, they looked down their noses on those who didn’t follow things like the Sabbath laws, and rules related to purification. However, there were now Gentiles who had come to know Christ and their lives were transformed. Neither the Jew nor the Gentile was going to be saved by following a specific set of rules, and that’s what Paul wanted to make abundantly clear! The existence of the law would not lead to salvation, but the law would reveal sin. 

Even today, we will never be saved by following all the “rules,” but the “rules” should exist as a way of giving us knowledge of sin. The church exists as a community of believers who provide a place for growth and discipleship, and as a result, may have “rules” for the community. This is nothing new, but has been a part of community life for thousands of years. Throughout the history of Christianity there have been communities that have had their unique characteristics and rules. This includes the “Long and Short Rules” by Basil of Caesarea, and the “Rules of Benedict.” Instead of seeing these rules as restrictive, the communities saw them as a basis, or foundation on which the group could best serve the Lord. At the same time, it was never the “rules” that condemned nor cast judgement on people. The law of God, no matter the community, is written on our hearts. But, by participating in the community there is a greater knowledge of sin. 

Maybe the answer to the question of the relative nature of sin is to be engaged with a community of faith, reading the word, spending time in prayer, participating acts of justice and mercy, and thereby, knowing God’s law, with a resultant knowledge of sin. It’s when we get engaged with people in the trenches of life that we begin to see the consequences of sin and it all becomes more magnified. What can be argued on an intellectual level takes on new meaning on a practical level, and there, we discover that there is a real knowledge of sin. 

Prayer:

Lord, may your law be reflected in my life. Amen.