Does sin matter...part II

Yes we are totally forgiven, completely accepted and fully embraced by the Father through the work of Christ. However this has to do with our legal status and does not address the practical and destructive effects on us or others of our sinful acts and choices.

We were not made for sin (rebellious independence/distrust of God) but to honor God in a relationship of love and trust. As a result, when we sin it has a destructive effect. It not only hinders our entering into a fuller experience of God's love secured for us by Christ, it prevents us from more effectively reflecting and displaying God to others. This in turn dishonors him i.e. it does not display Him as the all loving, all sufficient and all satisfying God that he actually is.

(Unbelievers assume when his people are unfaithful, the issue is on God's side - i.e. it's His fault, instead of our side i.e. There is a problem with God and not with us. It's God's fault not ours. If we do not act as if he is the all loving and all sufficient God he is, than others assume he apparently must not be so).

So in the legal sense, sin does not matter and has no effect on our standing before God. We are totally and fully beloved and embraced children of God due to Christ work, not ours.

But in the practical sense, sin absolutely and completely matters and has real effect and consequences for us, others and most importantly it reflects on God himself by not bringing him the just honor and glory he rightfully deserves.

In theory we could got out and murder someone and it would not effect our legal standing with God. To say it as Paul did, "...where sin increased, grace abounded all the more..."  (Rom 5:20). There is no sin that is not fully covered by the grace of God extended to us in Christ.  

However if we did sin in this manner, scripture also says it's likely that we do not know him. Again to say it as Paul does, "... What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!  How can we who died to sin still live in it?" Rom 6:1-2  

We are also told by the Apostle John, " No one who is born of God practices sin (deliberately, willfully and consciously), because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." - 1Jn_3:9

So if we knowingly and habitually sin with little or no regard or concern for our sin, we should be afraid. Not because it will cause God to reject us but because it indicates we likely don't actually know him and never knew him to begin with. As Paul says, "... if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has (vs. might) passed away; behold, the new has (vs. might) come." 2Co 5:17 

"3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4  by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

5  For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6  and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9  For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

10  Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall." 2Pe 1:3-10 

19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20  Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

21  "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22  On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23  And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' - Mat 7:19-23  

Does sin matter, part I