Excusing Sin by S. A. H. Lindsey

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 27, 1873

Excusing Sin.

By S. A. H. Lindsey

If we were only able to discern clearly the terrible nature and bitter consequences of sin, we would turn from it with loathing, and never seek to excuse it in ourselves or in others. But, with our dim vision, it does not look so extremely bad after all. Our sinful nature excuses herself because her besetments are “so natural.” We quite forget that the carnal, or natural, mind is enmity against God, not subject to his law. Rom. 8:7.

We excuse the sins of our little children, perhaps smile at their first acts of rebellion because they are “too young” for discipline, and our fond love indulges them until they are “too old” for us to control. We excuse them in their youth, because, as we say, “they must sow their wild oats,” unmindful of the words of inspiration, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” Gal. 6:7, 8. The sons of Eli “sowed their wild oats” and miserably perished at the hands of the Philistines.

Excuses are made for the sins of those who are advanced in years “because they are old.” If people in their old age become idiotic, then are they like babes, not responsible; but if their intellect is continued, the claims of God's holy law are as strong upon them as ever, unless it can be shown that God is a respecter of persons. But this is so far from being true that one illustration is sufficient. In the early days of king Solomon, the Lord had shown him special favors by twice appearing unto him, imparting great wisdom and crowning him with riches and honor. But the sins of his old age brought the frown of God upon him. “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. . . . And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. . . . And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice.” 1 Kings 11:4, 6, 9. Old age afforded this wise and highly favored prince no excuse to do wrong, however unfavorable his surroundings might have been.

In times past, sin has involved people of all ages in one common ruin. 2 Chron. 36:17; Deut. 32:25; Lam. 2:21. The old and the young have perished together. “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” This is as true of individuals, old or young, as of nations. The way of righteousness is the only safe way.

We are living in the hour of God's judgment. Then, instead of seeking to cover up our sins with excuses, let us try hard to put them away, and warn others of the danger of a sinful course. Our probation lingers yet a little. May the long-suffering of our Lord prove our salvation at last. May we daily seek after purity and holiness of heart. Unless we do, we shall never see the face of God. In his love, he has provided a way whereby we may be saved if we will. If we are finally lost, the fault will be our own, and we shall be entirely without excuse.

S. A. H. LINDSEY.