D is for...

Sin leads to sure and certain downfall and hence we should abstain from sinful deeds.

 —Atharva-Veda quotes

 

Sin leads to downfall? Who’da thunk it?

It’s been true since the breath of life was breathed into the first man in the Garden of Eden. God placed sinless human beings—the very epitome of innocence—into that beautiful place. Satan turned their innocence to sin. And sin became the downfall and destruction of Adam and Eve, and every man and woman since Adam and Eve.

The quote above, taken from the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures), speaks truth in its most simple form. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the Hindu religion, the truth of this statement cannot be denied, and is, in fact stated in similar words in the Holy Bible.

•   For the wages of sin is death.
•   He that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul.
•   For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
•   The sting of death is sin.
•   Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Familiar verses, all. And the list goes on.

The sin of pride was Lucifer’s downfall, was it not? That same sin has been the downfall of many since then…and will continue to be as long as this world is inhabited by mankind. Too much pride to bend a knee in worship. Too proud to submit to God. Scripture states that pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a (down)fall. Pride is a sin. Sin leads to destruction…and downfall.

It can and often is argued that we are human, and we will sin. All too true. But there is a way of escape, and that way is God. Once we let Him into our hearts, there’s no more room for sin. But if we do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous! Talk about a safety net!

I love this verse from Hollywood producer Charles Shyer—yes, I understand he wasn’t speaking about God. But it applies nonetheless. God is love, after all.

It's his downfall. It's what gets him at the end, that he won't let the love in. He's incapable of it.

 —Charles Shyer

Won’t let love in.

Won’t let God in.

That’s a downfall—the ultimate fall that will lead to destruction of souls and eternity upon eternity of torment and regret.

Call me simple-minded, but I’m of a mind to let love (God) in and avoid the downfall that would inevitably “get me” in the end. With the Holy Spirit inside, there can be no sin—and no door to destruction, but instead a portal to wholeness and healing.