Sin No More

Some time after healing the lame man at the pool of Bethesda Jesus seeks him out again. Our Lord’s words to him are few, but quite pointed. (John 5:14) First, Jesus reminds the man of the great blessing he has just received: he has been made whole! He wasn’t just better, he was complete and completely well.

This is the type of healing that Jesus offers to us as sinners. When we come to Him obediently “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). He doesn’t just make us a little better, He removes ALL of our guilt and makes us spiritually whole.

Jesus’ next words to the lame man are words of warning. “Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” Maybe his original infirmity was a consequence of sin, but regardless, something far worse than being lame is being lost.

When we come to Jesus for spiritual healing, we must also resolve to live a life of holiness. If, after being forgiven, we turn right back to the darkness of sin, we are turning away from the only one that can help. These words bear with them a charge of personal responsibility. Jesus has done His part to save us. Now we must to ours.

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