Hating Sin and Loving Truth

Hear now Isaiah's third and fourth woes:  "Woe to those drawing error with ropes of untruth, and as with wagon cords sin; those who are saying: 'Let his work hasten; do let it come quickly, in order that we may see it;  and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it!'  Woe to those who are saying that good is bad and bad is good, those who are putting darkness for light and light for darkness, those who are putting bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" -Isaiah 5:18-20.

What a  vivid picture this paints of practicers of sin!  They are attached to sin the way draft animals are tied to wagons.  These sinners do not fear any coming day of judgment.  Mockingly they say:  "Let [God's work] come quickly!" Rather then submitting to God's Law, they twist things, declaring that "good is bad and bad is good." -Compare Jeremiah 6:15; 2 Peter 3:3-7.

Christians today must avoid such an attitude at all costs.  For example, they refuse to embrace the world's view of fornication and homosexuality as acceptable.  (Ephesians 4:18, 19)  True, a Christian might 'take a false step' that could lead to committing a serious sin.  (Galatians 6:1)  The elders in the congregation are ready to help those who have fallen and need assistance.  (James 5:14, 15) With the aid of prayers and Bible-based counsel, spiritual recovery is possible.  Otherwise, there is the danger of becoming "a slave of sin."  (John 8:34)  Rather than mocking God and losing awareness of the coming day of judgment, Christians strive to remain "spotless and unblemished" before Jehovah. -2 Peter 3:14; Galatians 6:7, 8.

Next time: Conclusion of Hating Sin and Loving Truth

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000