God’s delay in punishing sin is not approval, says Madu

The Bishop of Oji River, Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Amos Madu has bemoaned the rate at which many subtle and terrible sins are being promoted and celebrated as acceptable norms and lifestyle.

Speaking during his presidential address at the 3rd Session of the 7th Synod held at St. Bath’s Anglican Church Isikwe Achi, Oji River in Enugu State, the Bishop noted that in times past and before the advent of Christianity in Nigeria, stealing, lying, murder and adultery, among others, were considered grievous sins against the traditional community and attracted serious punishment.

He said modern world had given many fanciful names to sinful actions that were hitherto termed abominable. These include stealing, which is being referred to as misappropriation of funds and lying as cleverness or logic.

The cleric, who spoke on the theme: “What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!” explained that God’s delay in punishing sin in this era of grace must not be mistaken for approval. Rather, it should be seen as God’s unwillingness to see anyone perish, because He desires that all should come to repentance.

While reminding Christians that, God’s standard does not change like that of man, he noted that sin is no respecter of persons, as it can pull down and destroy anyone, anywhere. He said sin is responsible for all the hatred, divisions, wars, fears and tensions around the world.

To be free from sin, Bishop Madu said one must die to sin and be alive unto God, which according to him was the only way to overcome sin and walk in the Spirit.

The Bishop, who defined grace as unmerited favour, said grace is summed up in the name of Jesus, because He is the Grace of God towards mankind. He stated that grace is not earned and therefore, it must be acknowledged for what it is and accepted with humility and joyful gratitude, not taken for granted.

The Bishop of Oji River, who is not happy that young people are forced to grow up in the current hostile atmosphere of moral degradation, said the Church and government that should protect them have failed them by compromising standards and legalising sinful acts.

He enjoined Christians to denounce any act of sin and humbly surrender their lives to the Lordship of Christ, so as to be led by the Holy Spirit that they may continue in grace, rather than in sin.