I appreciated the old days when the preachers would preach about the sinfulness of sin. They left you in no doubt that sin left you in peril of hell fire and that the only cure was repentance in the name of Jesus. With rare exception these sermons started in quiet solemnities and built up into a fever pitch with deliberate sharp movements. Some of those men were impressive in every way.
Though I do believe that hell fire and brimstone preaching will return in due time, I pray that its return will include a fact that was often left out. It’s a simple thing that was negated lest it was interpreted as encouraging people to sin. What could it be? Let me put it plainly:
I have never heard a preacher, besides myself, say these words: “We sin because we like it! In fact, if it wasn’t for the consequences meted out, both here on earth and at judgement to come, we all would happily sin that grace may abound.”
I know that some will say, “John, I have heard preachers speak about ‘The pleasures of sin.’” And that is indeed so. But, even then, those sermons are directed away from the speaker, and even away from the church itself. Also, as you have, I have heard preachers humbly confess their sins, but for some reason they stopped their sermon to do it.
Every sin is a personal thing that sends shockwaves in all directions. However, the worst thing about it is that we are less inclined to consider the damage that sin does to ourselves and others, because of the enjoyment it brings; albeit brief and potentially lethal.
This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them” (1 Timothy 1:15).
John Staiger