Sin And God’s Favor

Read: Proverbs 8

Whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 8:35

IN WORD The stage is set for God to call forth those whose heart is His. He created His world on a foundation of wisdom, and wisdom beckons. Though we became misfits in the eternal plan, we were resurrected and refitted by the work of Wisdom Incarnate—Jesus. We now have all eternity lying before us. What will we do with it?

We have not yet entered into our rest. If God has not yet called us home to heaven, we are still living the eternal life on earth for a reason. But countless Christians have taken the treasure of eternal life and squandered it on foolish living. The wisdom of all eternity, the foundation of this world, is offered to us, and we so easily fail to take hold of it. Why?

The choice should be obvious. On the one hand, we have been offered the reliable Word of God, the cleansing blood of the Cross, the resurrected life, the power of the Holy Spirit, the fellowship of the body of Christ, the inheritance of the Son, and the very favor of God. On the other hand, we see momentary pleasures to be had, things to own, places to visit, people to use, money to spend, time to waste, rights to be defended, and comforts to be enjoyed. Only a fool would choose the latter, but we live in a foolish world. We have partaken of its passions and imbibed its philosophies. Eternal wisdom is offered so generously, yet we handle it so carelessly.

IN DEED We are always pursuing something. It may be material, like wealth, possessions, or pleasure. It may be less tangible, like status and accomplishments. It may even be spiritual, like peace of mind and heartfelt joy. But unless it’s from God’s own mind, it’s futile.

The Christian who lives by God’s wisdom finds that sin is not so much something to be overcome as it is something that becomes irrelevant. He finds a greater pursuit, and its benefits outweigh all other pursuits. What sin can compete? The favor of God flows like a fountain on those who seek His mind.

Sin forsaken is one of the best evidences of sin forgiven.

—J. C. RYLE