The people of this world minimize the idea of sin by laughing at it, sluffing it off as insignificant, calling it an illusion, or considering it the invention of some “religious fanatics.” They even cloud it over in acceptable language (“alternate lifestyle” for homosexuality, or “retroactive fertility control” for murdering precious human babies in the womb). Among those few who actually acknowledge the existence of sin, most continue on in their sin with little or no thought of its penalty.
To God, however, sin is extremely important and it carries great consequences. Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden because of sin. Saul was rejected as king; David was plagued with the sword; Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land; and Ananias & Sapphira dropped dead; all because of sin. God says, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and “the soul who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:20). God hates sin. The presence of sin cannot be escaped in this life, but the Christian can overcome sin by the power of God.