Sinners are unable to reach the Holy God in their sins. Such a bold statement, but true nonetheless. However, it is not a hopeless situation, for notice that it says "in their sins."
Why? For sins separate sinners from God. "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1,2). So you see, if there is a separation, it is not God who has moved, but the sinner. He is still able, and willing to forgive, but "will not hear" those who persist in their sins.
God only responds to the sinner when he (the sinner) is willing to meet the conditions that He (God) has laid down. That was understood by the Jews of Jesus' time. "Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him" (John 9:31).
While one is in his sins he is both a stranger and an enemy of God. "And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled" (Colossians 1:21). While this scripture speaks of the condition of alienation, it also speaks of hope for those who are obedient.
The condition of alienation from God is described as death in the scriptures. "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). "...that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). Such a calamitous condition must be rectified. That is accomplished only through Christ, and what He has done for us, and what we will do in obedience to His will.
Sinners find access to God through Jesus Christ. As bold as our opening statement was this is even bolder. Such assurance!
Jesus is the One Mediator between God and man. "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 2:5). It is this fact that we shall continue to pursue in the next couple articles. It is much too bold a concept to give only a brief examination.
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Most recent revision Tuesday, September 09, 1997