By Jefferson Alleyne, adapted from Drawing Near Publications
In the 1980’s doctors made a declaration that they had discovered a deadly virus and that it was going to take many lives. There was a lot of talk and money spent, but thousands of lives were still lost.
People all over the world took note of it and began to ask numerous questions. Where did the virus come from? Who are those that can get it? How is it passed on? What are the consequences? Is there a remedy?
Mankind in general has taken the virus seriously, but it has affected man in a very serious way. This virus is known as the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. There have been various opinions as to its origin, yet there is no doubt as to how it is being passed on. The effects and consequences of it are evident worldwide. But man does not yet know an effective remedy.
There was another important declaration made thousands of years before the one in the 1980’s. It was about a much greater virus: The greatest virus of all – sin. God made this declaration and He pointed out where this virus came from and what are its consequences. He has also shown how it is passed on and who would be infected. But thankfully He has also shown the remedy for it. Hallelujah!
The Origin Of The Virus
Just like AIDS, sin has an origin. Its origin is through Adam. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12 NKJV).
Sin is here in this world because of the disobedience of Adam. God had told him to freely eat of all the trees that were in the garden except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The devil fooled Eve and she ate of the fruit and then offered it to Adam. Sadly, Adam knowingly disobeyed God and brought sin into this world with all of its ruin.
The Effects Of The Virus
The consequences of AIDS are terrible, but those of sin are greater. The evidence of sin is undeniable; its ruin and misery are everywhere. Corruption and violence are rampant. We see its effects in the hospitals, prisons and graveyards. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).
The Spread Of The Virus
AIDS, they say, does not discriminate; anyone exposed to it can get it. Sin does not discriminate, for everyone in this world gets it. “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (Ps. 51:5).
We have the evil root of sin in us, and from it the fruit of evil acts come. It is universal. None of us can point fingers at Adam or Eve because we also sin against God. At times we are deceived, and at other times we deliberately sin against God.
The Remedy For The Virus
Although there are treatments, there is no known cure for AIDS. However, God has a perfect and complete remedy for sin. It is found in Christ Jesus who was crucified for you. Christ “has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb. 9:26). Look to Him and He will save you. “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29). “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (3:14-15).
God says to call on Him and He will apply His remedy to your life. “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13). Call on Him and be saved from all your sins today! Read more.