SIN's Results ... the sin of the world leads to predictable results.

Serving Christians Seeking to Live a Holy Life

SIN's Results
(A response to the 911 attack on America) Leon L. Combs, Ph.D. 9/23/2001

I. SIN and its Effects

Why do terrible things happen in this world? The answer is SIN. The word so capitalized means the SIN in the world as a result of man's fall in the Garden.

Why does God allow SIN to remain? For the same reason that He does everything: for His glory. Can I really understand this? No: Deut 29:29. I can't even understand all that He has revealed, much less what He has not revealed. So, as God's children (John 1:12), we have to "trust and obey". We trust Him knowing Rom 8:28,29.

God has a prediction regarding the effects of SIN and we see it recorded in Gen 3:14-24. Our Lord told us the origin of evil deeds also:

Mat 15:18 "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.
Mat 15:19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.
Mat 15:20 "These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man."

Such effects will remain until He brings about a new rule on an everlasting peaceful earth. Of course, we don't know when that will be either, but we can say with the Scripture: Rev 22:20 "He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

II. A Requirement of People

Another tower fell about 2000 years ago, killing 18 people. Jesus was asked about it in Luke 13:4: "Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were {worse} culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem?"

Jesus responded to this question in Luke 13:5: "I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." So, just as at the tower of Siloam, the people on 9/11/01 died because of SIN, not because they were horrible sinners. Were the events of 9/11/01a judgment on America because of its great sins? Well, did we deserve such a judgment? I think the answer to the second question has to be a resounding "Yes!" But to the first question, I don't know the answer and neither does anyone else. We know that God disciplines His children: HEB 12:5" and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;" Heb 12:9 Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? Heb 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Also note: Rev 3:19 'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent."

So since we know that we deserve discipline, why not regard it as such and repent?

Also Jesus' answer in Luke 13:5 is always valid. Anyone who does not repent will also perish at the hands of an all-powerful God who is also all good, which means that He is holy and hates sin. We also must repent and hate sin. This tragedy has caused more people to pray and go to church. Is such a change of behavior true repentance? Time will tell what God already knows. Watch and see if we now repent and stop murdering babies. Watch and see if we repent and allow the Ten Commandments to be posted in public places. Watch now and see if prayer is allowed in public government-sponsored events such as football games. Watch and see.

III. Response

What should be the response of America and Americans?

A. As Americans who are Christians: Rom 12:14-20

Rom 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
Rom 12:17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
Rom 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Rom 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath {of God,} for it is written, "\Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,\" says the Lord.
Rom 12:20 "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head."
Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

B. As the Government of America: Rom 13:1-4 and Gen 9:6

Rom 13:1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
Rom 13:2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same;
Rom 13:4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil.
GEN 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.

The 9/11/01 attack was an act of international war. Those people want to kill millions more people. America must respond appropriately as a minister of God.