You Can Not Be Saved If You Cover Your Sins



Introduction

A. We Can Not Prosper by Hiding Our Sins - Proverbs 28:13 – "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
B. In I John 3:4, God defines sin as transgression of the law

1. Sin is rebelling, disregarding, ignoring, and being disobedient to God’s Holy Word

2. All of us are guilty of sin – Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

3. As a result we will face the consequence of death – Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

4. But God sent His Son Jesus Christ to redeem us from our sins – Colossians 1:14 – "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
C. Many will stubbornly persist and try to cover their sins, in an attempt to justify their sinful lifestyle and hide from God’s judgment, instead of obeying the commands of the gospel of Jesus to be saved – II Corinthians 5:10 – "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” John 12:48 – "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”

Body - This morning we are going to look at how people try to hide their sins.
1. Just Live A Good Moral Life
A number of people believe they will be saved from the wrath of God and live with God in heaven, by just living a good and moral life, however this ploy to hide your sins and be saved will not work.

1. In Acts 10:1-2, 36-43, 48, the Bible describes a man that lived a good moral life by the name of Cornelius.

2. He was lost in sin until he heard and obeyed the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

2. Profess Religion
Another way others try to cover up their sins is by professing some religion that is not authorized by the Holy Scriptures.

1. There is only one true religion or church - Matthew 16:18 – "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Galatians 3:27-28 - "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 4:5 – "One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

2. These individuals may be sincere but scripturally wrong and need to come to obedience of the truth – Matthew 7:21-23 – "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

 

3. Pervert The Holy Scriptures.
Others try to hide their sins and escape God’s judgment by perverting the scriptures to justify what they are doing. II Peter 3:16 – "As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” All of these tricks and devices of the devil cannot save you.

YOU MUST BE OBEDIENT TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO BE SAVED
1. Believe Jesus
Instead of hiding your sins, and being condemned to death, why not believe:

1. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God that died on the cross

2. God The Father raised Him to life for the forgiveness of our sins, that we might have life in Him

3. Decide to renounce your own will and submit yourself to Jesus to be saved – Hebrews 5:9 – "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.”

 

B. Obey the Gospel.
1. Hear the Word of God, the gospel of Christ, the good news that God has sent us peace and reconciliation through His Son – Romans 10:17

2. Believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God – John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6

3. Faith in Jesus leads one to the command to repent of your past sins – Luke 13:3

4. Confess with your mouth, Jesus is the Son of God – Romans 10:10

5. Be baptized in water for the forgiveness of your sins – Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38

Conclusion
A. Are you hiding your sins?
B. Are you tired of playing games with yourself and with God?
C. Why not decide to obey Jesus today and save yourself from the wrath of God.

D. Do not delay, tomorrow is not promised to you, now is the accepted time, and now is the day of salvation. Why not come now as we stand and sing the Savior’s invitation.