How does Isaiah 59:2 describe the impact of sin on our relationship with God? The Barrier Sin Builds “But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.” • Sin constructs a literal “wall” that blocks fellowship with God. • God’s face—His favorable presence—is hidden, meaning intimacy is lost. • Prayers go unanswered; the relationship is disrupted because holiness cannot overlook unrepented sin (Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 15:29). What This Separation Looks Like • Distance: Adam and Eve expelled from Eden (Genesis 3:23). • Darkness: “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness” (Proverbs 4:19). • Deafness: “When they cry to the LORD, He will not answer” (Micah 3:4). • Deadness: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Why God Cannot Ignore Sin • His character: “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3). • His justice: “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). • His covenant expectations: obedience and faithfulness (Deuteronomy 28). The Sole Remedy Provided • A Mediator: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). • A Substitute: “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). • A New Way: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19–22). • A Reconciled Relationship: “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). Living in Restored Fellowship • Confess known sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Walk in obedience empowered by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). • Enjoy unhindered prayer and communion (Hebrews 4:16). |
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