The Solution for Sins

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: I Corinthians 6:9-11

Sin was a big problem in the church at Corinth. It is a big problem worldwide and throughout all time. But Jesus offers a solution to sin:

Justified

When we sin, we are guilty before God of breaking the law (I John 3:4). Thus, when we are saved, we are justified by God.

"But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being
witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through
faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His
grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a
propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness,
because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously
committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be
just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:21-26).

Sanctified

When we sin, we have corrupted our souls. We have become common, like everyone else in the world.

"Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord
knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ
depart from iniquity." But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and
silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor,
sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (II Timothy
2:19-21).

When we are saved, we are purified and set apart for a special purpose by God; that is, we are sanctified.

"For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in
bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect
through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified
are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren"
(Hebrews 2:10-11).

Washed

When we sin, we have dirtied our souls.

"But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy
rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away"
(Isaiah 64:6).

By accepting the teachings of God, we are given a way to clean up our lives.

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with
meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21).

Baptism is a part of this, not the removal of physical filth, but spiritual uncleanness.

"There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the
filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:21).

That is why baptism is referred to as washing.

"And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins,
calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).

Jesus accomplished a solution to sin through his death on the cross. It is an answer to every
problem created by sin. So why are you waiting? The cure for your sins is available. We are only waiting for your decision to partake.

“And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of
God in vain – for He says, "At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the
day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold,
now is “the day of salvation.” (II Corinthians 6:1-2).