Ephesians 2:1-2 You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient.

We want to believe that some sins – maybe the ones we commit? – aren’t really all that bad.

But throughout the Bible, sin is associated with death, not sickness.  With sickness, there are varying degrees.  Minor illnesses, serious illnesses, and terminal illnesses.  But there are no degrees of death.   Death is absolute and final.

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (James 2:10)   When you break just one law, you are still a lawbreaker.

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)

Jesus, my Lord and Savior, it is because of You that I am able to enter through faith into what the Father has always wanted to do for me – to set me right with Him, and make me fit for Him.  When I throw open my doors to the Father, I discover at the same moment that He has already thrown open His door to me.  And I am standing where I had always hoped I might stand – in the wide open spaces of Your grace and glory, standing tall and shouting my praise.  Amen (Based on Romans 5:1-2. MSG)