The COVID-19 virus is highly contagious. How contagious is yet to be determined. The worst case scenario posted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) posits between 160 and 214 million people could be infected this year, with deaths between 200,000 and 1.7 million. Those are big numbers, and especially with the death estimates, widely ranging. We should pray that our tactics to combat the spread of the virus are successful, and that the numbers are much smaller.
A big part of the problem is that the virus is new. You have heard the word “novel” being used to describe it. Before the latter part of 2019, no one had ever seen it. No one knew how it was transmitted, how easily it could be spread, how contagious it was. And, no one knew how to treat it.
We have a spiritual disease that in many respects differs from our present pandemic. The disease is called sin. It is a cancer, and those who get it are in need of the Great Physician. When asked why He ate with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Matthew 9:12).
Consider the following truths:
The disease of sin is so contagious that 100% of all people will get it at some point in their lives.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).
The disease of sin, left untreated, is 100% fatal.
“Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15).
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).
The death that comes from the disease of sin is far worse than the death experienced from any physical sin.
“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second [spiritual] death” (Revelation 21:8).
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
The cure for sin is 100% successful to those who take it as prescribed.
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
Yes, the COVID-19 virus is dangerous to our country. We need to take care to avoid getting sick. However, sin is more dangerous, and it has been killing men ever since the world began. “…Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).
It is my sincere hope that men will reach a point where they are as careful with their souls as they are with their lives. Alas, “…Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
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