by Janet Mushi | 2 January 2019 08:46 am01
There is only one true sin—and that is unbelief in the Lord Jesus Christ. All other sins—stealing, gossiping, corruption, immorality, cursing, murder, and so on—are not the fundamental sin themselves, but rather the consequences of that one sin: unbelief.
To believe in Jesus Christ is not merely to read about Him or make a mental decision. True belief comes from a personal revelation—an understanding of who Jesus is, His divine origin, His mission, and His significance to the world. When this revelation occurs, it ignites a desire within the believer to live in relationship with Him. Without this spiritual awakening, intellectual assent is insufficient for salvation.
Scripture clearly states the gravity of unbelief:
John 3:17-18 (NIV):
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
This passage affirms that the purpose of Christ’s incarnation was salvation, not condemnation. The condition for salvation is faith—believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Without this faith, a person remains under condemnation.
Consider the analogy of a person suffering from mental illness causing visible harm. The visible actions (breaking windows, attacking people) are symptoms. The root problem is the illness in the mind. Similarly, all sinful behaviors are symptoms of a deeper spiritual problem—the sin of unbelief and separation from God.
Efforts to change behavior without addressing the root cause will fail. True transformation requires healing at the core, which is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ (see Ezekiel 36:26-27 where God promises a new heart and spirit).
The Bible emphasizes Jesus as the sole remedy for sin:
John 1:29 (NIV):
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Notice the singular form, “sin,” highlighting that unbelief is the root from which all other sins stem. Jesus’ sacrificial death is effective in removing the guilt and power of sin.
No human effort can fully overcome sin. The apostle Paul explains:
Romans 3:23 (NIV):
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
And:
Romans 6:23 (NIV):
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Only Jesus, being sinless (see Hebrews 4:15), can provide the perfect sacrifice and enable us to live a new life.
The victory over the world and sin is given to those who believe:
1 John 5:3-7 (NIV):
“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood.
And the Spirit testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.”
Faith in Jesus brings victory over sin and the power of the world. The “water and blood” refers to Jesus’ baptism and crucifixion, affirming His genuine humanity and atoning death.
The Gospel must be preached to all nations before the end comes (see Mark 13:10, Matthew 24:14). Every person will have the opportunity to hear and respond.
If you are reading this now, consider that this may be your moment. The consequences of unbelief are eternal, but the gift of faith leads to salvation and new life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Please share this message and preach the good news of Jesus Christ wherever you can. Visit www.wingulamashahidi.org for further teachings and resources.
May God richly bless you.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/01/02/55917/
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