August 3, 2011 – Catechism 976-980

What does sin do to us.  It separates us from God.  If you do not believe this simple idea, then what do you believe sin does.  We cannot be united with God if we have sin as any part of our lives.  Yes, there is redemption with Christ, but we must except that and then live a life that we are called to.  If sin is any part of that, then we cannot be united with God because nothing stained by sin can be in God’s presence.  So, either you believe that sin has some other effect, sin has no effect, or there is no saving us from sin. 

The first, I cannot understand.  As stated above, it seems clear to me that either you do not have the stain of sin and can be with God, or you are stained and cannot be with God. 

Second, I cannot understand those that feel sin can have no effect on their salvation.  Some understanding where believing in Christ and salvation is enough to get you by does not have any standing in Scripture that preaches the danger of sin, the forgiveness of sin, the understanding of sacrifice for cleansing of sin, etc.  Sin effects us at our very core and is something that we are constantly battling against. 

The third I will not say anything about.