LS-33-The Sense Of Sin
The Sense Of Sin
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth Is not in us. 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.
Such words as these we do not often hear today. It is not a popular form of speech. We are not accustomed to think or speak in such a candid way about the fact of sin. We have almost ceased to think of ourselves as sinners. It is many years since Mr. Gladstone, when he was asked what was the great want of modern life, replied thoughtfully, "Ah, a sense of sin; that is the great want of modern life." But with the passing of those years there has been an increasing loss of the sense of sin. Less and less do men seem to be conscious of the force of sin as disturbing the relationship of the soul with God.
Perhaps even in our best moments we would not be willing to restore that attitude of mind, so characteristic of some earlier periods, that led men to abase themselves at every thought of God. That excessive humility and contrition was born of two things an over-sensitive consciousness of human unworthiness, and an exaggerated idea of the terror of the Lord. In so far as we no longer dread undue harshness at the hands of our God, the change is for the better. But is it a healthy sign if we are no longer conscious of the guilt of sin, which has disturbed our relationship with God?
We recall our Lord’s treatment of sin in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. There were many elements of good in the Pharisee. He was a man of prayer; he fasted regularly; he consistently practised tithing. But he cherished a lie in his inmost soul. Unconscious of his sin and his need, he congratulated himself even while he prayed to God. The other man, with downcast eyes, beat upon his breast, and pleaded for the mercy of God. He it was who was justified before God. Our presence at the Table of redeeming love is itself a confession of sin. But that confession may be a purely formal one, unaccompanied by any real consciousness of sin, or of our need of forgiveness. It will be for our good if we can pray in sincerity, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness. It is the first essential of spiritual health to be aware of our need