Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned— …
Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. …
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.

• Romans 5:12, 14, 18

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”

• Galatians 3:10

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. …
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

• Genesis 3:8, 24

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

• Ephesians 2:1-3

and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

• 2 Timothy 2:26

“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.

• Luke 11:21-22

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—

• Hebrews 2:14

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

• Romans 6:23

“Q. 16. Into what estate did the Fall bring mankind?
“A. The Fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery (Rom. 5:18).”

• Charles H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon’s Catechism

“Q. 17. Into what estate did the Fall bring mankind?
“A. The Fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.”

• The Shorter Catechism (Westminster Assembly)

“Q. 27. What misery did the Fall bring upon mankind?
“A. The Fall brought upon mankind the loss of communion with God, his displeasure and curse; so as we are by nature children of wrath, bondslaves to Satan, and justly liable to all punishments in this world and that which is to come.”

• The Larger Catechism (Westminster Assembly)

Question 16 in the Spurgeon Catechism is question 17 in the Shorter Catechism.  The Short catechism only added the Scripture from Galatians but chose Romans 5:12 instead of Romans 5:18.  To add to the confusion, the Larger Catechism chose Romans 5:14, and all the other Scriptures above.

That section of Romans 5 covers our sin nature in detail, but it is interesting that the three catechisms chose different verses, especially with the latter two written by the same assembly.

We are delving into some bleak territory here.  The catechisms are painting a downward spiral with no return, but we can praise God that the catechism does not end at this point.  If life is nothing but pain and misery, slavery to sin and Satan, and that even extends to the next life, then why bother?

Many people, sadly, stop at about this point in the catechism, if they even knew there was one, and they reject the misery.  But the problem is, even when you try to fill your life with worldly pleasures and treasures, nothing can mask that pit of emptiness inside each of us.  They always return to that emptiness.  They might put something else there.  They might pretend, but they are all in misery.

Unless…

To tie into the song, unless… the Master (of the sea) lifts us from the sinking misery.

Jesus is the only answer to that pit of emptiness, that sin and misery of our lives.

And now let us sing.

The following hymn, Love Lifted Me is sung by Randy Travis.  He only sings two verses.

1 I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–
Now safe am I.

Refrain:
Love lifted me,
Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me;
Love lifted me,
Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

2 All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs. [Refrain]

3 Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be–
Be saved today. [Refrain]

• James Rowe, Love Lifted Me

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord,
We have all sinned.  We were born with a sin nature, and we need You in our hearts to wash away that sin.  Lord, thank You for giving us this gift that is not deserved.  We praise You for Your loving Mercy.
In thy Name we pray.
Amen

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.