A number of years ago I held a gospel meeting in Camden, Arkansas. That morning they announced another meeting at the black congregation that afternoon. I assumed some of my brethren would be there, but I was the only one. I will never forget the way the preacher illustrated the word “all”. He said, “If I were to go and get my 12-gauge shotgun and if I told you I am going to shoot ALL of you, when I returned, you would ALL be gone!”
I am thankful that we have a gracious and merciful God, who counts us righteous because of the atoning blood of Jesus, which makes it possible for ALL our sins to be forgiven. The Bible teaches that sin separates us from God. This is why we must be reconciled (means to made friends again) to God before there is any hope of salvation. This reconciliation takes place at our baptism, based on our faith and repentance. Then we are called to live a life of sanctification.
Sadly, there are many people who laugh at sin or just ignore it. We need to be like Paul who wrote, ”Knowing therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” II Corinthians 5:11.
Greely Kirkpatrick