Go, and Sin No More

The story of the woman caught in adultery found in John 8 has many applicable points for us.  While we might not be actively committing adultery through thought and/or deed, we are all sinners in need of saving grace.  And like the woman in our story, each of us has been caught red-handed by the Omniscient Judge and will one day stand before the Great White Throne.  On that day, will grace to be given or justice dispensed?  And the sobering thing is that the answer to this question is in our hands.

The punishment for sin has already been paid, but we must accept this free gift while still on earth in order to be viewed innocent on judgment day.

According to Mosaic Law, the woman in John 8 should have been stoned to death in consequence of her actions.  However, Jesus intervened and instead of allowing the former Law with its harsh judgments to dictate, He decided to take the opportunity to teach those accusing and to change a life by administering mercy and grace.  Our Savior is about the work of redeeming, changing, and transforming lives, and the adulterous woman is one such example.  Even though her accusers were dispersed and the Son of God chose not to condemn her, she did not get off scot-free.  She was commanded to “Go, and from now on sin no more.”

Likewise, we have encountered the holiness of God, and have been found guilty and deserving of death.  However, Jesus stepped onto the stage of history to take our sentence upon Himself so that we may be shown grace and not be condemned.  So in light of this great sacrifice and gift, how can we not receive with gratefulness the command given to the unfaithful woman?  Is it too small a thing for the loving Savior to ask that after being caught, found guilty, and then graciously pardoned that we no longer actively participate in sin?  I think not.

So my question for you is….will YOU follow the Savior’s command by leaving your former life of sin and going forward to pursue a life marked by godliness?

As one contemporary worship song declares, “Lord you gave your life for me, so I will give my life for you, all because of your love, all because of your love.”  In closing, let us fully give our lives to the One who gave us His, and strive with all our heart to follow His command to

“Go, and sin no more.”  ​