The slippery slope

“They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,” (2 Thess. 1:9 ESV)

I heard someone say that if there was a drop-off into hell no one would be there! That’s because its presence would be obvious. It would be scary and avoided. Barricades and warning signs would be posted everywhere to keep people from falling into it. But, unfortunately, the road to hell isn’t a drop-off! Instead it is a very long and gradual slope leading gently into it. People are enticed along the way by all kinds of worldly pleasures and enticements. Suddenly, without warning, they find themselves in hell.

A gradual shift in the general perception of morality

If you were to compare what society in general thought was right and acceptable during your grandparents time with our present day you would see that what shocked, even outraged, them back then, is considered acceptable and not even blinked at today. It happened with one little sin concession at a time. Over time, one generation died out and another came in. Each new generation slid further down the slope of sin, accepting more sin as normal. If you were to ask the average person to define sin, they could not. Even most Christians cannot answer correctly. The definitions have become blurred.

The Bible defines sin

 “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Gal. 5:19-21)

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-11 ESV)

Little sins with big consequences

“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” (Gal. 5:9 ESV)

But, there is an answer

… And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Quote:

“When sinners are careless and stupid, and sinking into hell unconcerned, it is time the church should bestir themselves. It is as much the duty of the church to awake, as it is for the firemen to awake when a fire breaks out in the night in a great city.” Charles Finney