In Greek mythology, the cruel king Sisyphus is punished in Hades by the “gods” for his cruel acts to his subjects. His never-ending task is to roll a gigantic boulder up a hill each day, only to have it roll back down.
Sisyphus’s agonizing-but-futile effort to accomplish his goal can serve as a reminder about our struggles with sin. No matter how much we try to fight against our sinful thoughts, words or deeds, sometimes it can seem like our efforts always end in failure.
A recent caller to Core Christianity asked Dr. Michael Horton this question, “I have been in willful sexual sin for a while. Has God given me over to my sin?” His answer was encouraging.
I’d say two things here: repent and believe. And I’m not being trite here. I mean, you must repent, by God’s grace, and you must know that you’re forgiven from every sin. Every sin you’ve ever committed or ever will commit. When you say, “I don’t know that I can be forgiven,” you’re contradicting the Word of God. The Gospel tells you, you not only can be forgiven, look to Christ and you’re assured of forgiveness.
So, first, repent. We all continue to battle indwelling sin throughout our Christian life. That’s different from saying, “I have a right to this, I’m going to live in sin.” But you’ll never be free of temptation, you’ll never be free of sin, until you die. Repentance is a daily turning away from our sin and even our self-confidence to Christ.
Second, turn to Christ, not just away from sin, but to Christ. That’s the important thing. Repentance is just a vain attempt at moral reform unless you’re turning to Christ in faith…. When you say, “you know, I don’t know if I’m worthy of God’s forgiveness,” well, of course, you’re not. That’s why it’s mercy. That’s why it’s forgiveness.
Isn’t it comforting to know that we are forgiven by a merciful God who loves us and gave Himself for us?
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