In the last post in this series on the atonement, we examined some wrong ideas about the cross. Today we will simply list some verses for us to meditate on which address the terrible problem of sin.

This series is based on teaching I first gave at Jubilee Church. If you want a sneak preview of what is coming you can download the audio (you may need to right click and save to your PC) or listen online here:

Today I want us to spend some time thinking about the following verses. Go away and look them up in their context. Mull them over. Ponder them. Worry about them. The truth is — unless we understand the depth of our problem, we will never understand the wonder of the solution God has provided for us.

• “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:15-17)
  
  
• “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:23-24)
  
  
• “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” (Romans 1:18)
  
  
• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
  
  
• “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)
  
  
• “. . . your iniquities have separated you from your God.” (Isaiah 59:2)

Continues with "The Atonement - N. T. Wright Attacks Both Sides of the Debate"