I almost got away with it!

 I love watching crime dramas and reading crime fiction. There comes a point in a crime novel where it looks like the criminal is going to get away with their crime. In real life and in fiction novels, that is exactly what investigators do, they keep people from getting away with their crimes. It seems that criminals ALWAYS make a mistake.  

Our sin is the same way. Men who cheat on their wives think they are getting away with it, using the Lord's name in vain, seem to be getting away with it. Watching porn late at night, getting drunk and driving home, taking drugs, having extra-marital sex, it is easy to believe that you have duped the Lord. That he has let your sins slip through the cracks with absolutely no consequences. 

As I was reading the last couple of books of Hosea today, the prophet was talking about Ephraim. He says:

"You are about to be destroyed, O Israel -- yes, by me, your only helper. Now where is your king? Let him save you! Where are all the leaders of the land, the king, and the officials you demanded of me? In my anger, I gave you kings, and in my fury, I took them away. Ephraim's guilt has been collected, and his sin has been stored up for punishment." (Hosea 13:9-12, emphasis added)

Your sins are recognized by God. Your sins pain him each time they are committed and eventually, just like with the tiny nation of Israel, God will act and you will suffer the consequences of your choices. You will NOT get away with your sins forever. God will not remain silent. He cannot live with sin and injustice. He must act.

Judgment for your sins is not completed here on earth. Oh sure, some will get caught, maybe even MOST will get caught. Yet, the real judgment and the real retribution will come as we face the Lord in final judgment.

"For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." (2 Corinthians 5:10)

"And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books." (Revelation 20:11,12)

There is only one way to get away with your crimes, the sins you have committed against God and his laws. Repent, and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the one who will take away your sins. You will be pardoned and every trace of your sins will be wiped away. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY. 

Yes, it may appear that you are getting away with these sins. But, please understand the debt of your sins will be paid. They will either be paid by Jesus or YOU. The punishment is severe and the death is final. 

The Good News is there is no debt to great. There is no amount of collected debt that God through Jesus Christ cannot cover. Regardless of what you have done in the past, you can walk away with a spotless record. Just turn to Jesus!