Sometime ago, two members of the U.S. Ho . use of Representatives were censured by their fellow representatives for improper sex acts committed three and ten years ago. After such a long time, likely both thought their sins were far behind them and they would never be found out.

This reminds us of a fault common to the nature of mankind. Throughout history, weak, stumbling mankind has deluded himself into thinking that if he can hide and cover up his sin, all will be well. Such is not the case. We may hide our sins from our fellow mortals, but - there is always God! In Numbers 32:23 it is written, "Be sure your sin will find you out."

We are constantly hearing of crimes that were committed 10, 15 or even 20 years ago that are solved. Truly our mischief has a way of catching up with us. But, if we hide and even forget our sins there is the matter of "judgment to come."

Paul wrote, "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" (2 Cor. 5:10).

Further, Jesus said, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Rev. 22:12).

And, Solomon wrote, "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Eccl. 12:14).

We all desperately need to learn that the dark of night, deception or even the ability to forget sin does not remove sin. All sin is against God and God alone has the right to determine the terms of forgiveness.

To the non-Christian, He commands faith (Heb. 11:6), repentance (Acts 1:30), confession of the deity of Jesus (Matt. 10:32) and baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).

To the erring child of God He commands repentance (Acts 8:22), confession of sins (I John 1:9-2-1), and prayer (Acts 8:22; James 5:16).

Truly, man must answer to God for his sins I They cannot be hid from the Almighty. But, if we will submit to God's terms, He is anxious to forgive. Remember, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 10, p. 303
May 16, 1985