Ready for the Cross: The Weight of Sin

In mining coal, one of the primary fears is a rock fall or cave-in. If a 3-ton rock falls on you, I think we understand the results of that. Another thing that a rock fall or cave-in can do is block your exit path. At that point, the only way out is to clear the cave-in or use a small escape shaft. This is how my brain works—real-life examples of spiritual realities. In this example, the correlation is between a cave-in and the weight of sin.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” —Romans 6:23

This past Sunday, Tres unpacked the weight of sin and how it burdens us, distorts our identity, and separates us from God. In a world that tries to minimize sin and our response to it, this is a reminder of the full weight of our transgressions, but it's in light of the cross. Let me explain. For the vast majority of us who have grown up in the South, guilt, shame, and embarrassment were the common themes assigned to our sins; however, the cross preaches repentance. It takes all the condemnation and destruction of our offenses and places them at the foot of the cross, and further, the cross beckons us to move forward.

Tres laid out what sin does, but more importantly, he laid out how we move forward:
1. Acknowledge the Weight
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9
2. Repent and Release It
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” —Acts 3:19
3. Take Up His Cross Instead
"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” —Matthew 16:24

You don't have to sit in the cave of your sin, trapped. There is a path Jesus made for you. It is narrow and hard, but it will not crush you as sin will. There is freedom in Christ!

Lastly, we have the words of James with a vital component, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” —James 5:16

For all our lives, but especially during this season of Lent, may we not shy away from facing our sins. May we not shy away from sharing our lives with one another—the good, the bad, and the ugly (Yes, all our sins and struggles!). May we do so, so that we see the healing and freedom from Christ.