Meditation on Sin

MEDITATION ON SIN consists of two parts. First, we recognize the seriousness of original and actual sin. Actual sins are committed by thought, word, and deed. We sin when we do evil or fail to do good. We sin against God, our neighbor, and our self. There are sins of youth and of daily weaknesses. Every day we are tempted by the flesh, and we will often succumb to these temptations. At times we participate in the sins of others and fall into many of these same sins ourselves. Indeed, we are convicted of the guilt of our sins by all creation. Second, we contemplate the severity of divine wrath against our sins when we meditate on the suffering and death of Christ.

The Seriousness of Original Sin

O holy God, just Judge, I know that I am conceived and born in sin (Psalm 51:7). I know that I was formed from unclean seed in my mother’s womb (Job 14:4). The poison of sin has so corrupted and spoiled my entire nature that no power of my soul is free from its infection. The holy gift of the divine image entrusted to me by the first parents of our race has perished in me. I now have no ability to initiate a saving recognition, fear, trust, and love of You. I have no ability to obey Your commandments. My will is turned away from the Law. The law of sin in my members is oppressed to the law of my mind so my entire nature is corrupt and perverted (Rom. 7:23). I am wretched and miserable. I feel the assault of sin clinging tenaciously to every part of me. Although I have been regenerated and renewed in the washing of Baptism through the Spirit of grace (Titus 3:5), I am not totally free from the yoke of captivity of sin. That bitter root lurking in me always strives to shoot forth (Hebrews 12:15). The law of sin that rages in my flesh fights to capture me. I am full of doubts and distrust. I desire my own honor. From my heart comes depraved thoughts that defile me in Your sight (Matthew 15:19). From a poisoned spring, flow poison streams.

O Lord do not enter into judgment with Your servant (Psalm 143:2). Instead, be gracious to me according to Your great mercy (Psalm 51:3). The depth of my wretchedness calls out for help to the depth of Your mercy (Psalm 42:8). I place before You the holy conception of Your Son in place of my foul, unclean nature. He was born for me, and He also was conceived for me (Isaiah 9:6). Your Son was made satisfaction and righteousness for me (1 Corinthains 1:30), and He also was made my purification and purity. Because of Your Son and through Your Son, have mercy on me, O Most High. Do not place the hidden, evil corruption of my nature in the light of Your face (Psalm 90:8). Look to Your beloved Son, my mediator. May His most holy and unpolluted conception be the remedy for my miserable conception. Amen.

Johann Gerhard