Sin is a temporary state of being

Today in Sunday school, we were talking about our savior, Jesus Christ. Prior to the meeting, my wife and I were given the assignment to find our favorite scriptures in the New Testament, specifically one which regarded Jesus Christ. Now, I will openly admit that I am far more familiar with the Book of Mormon, having only been through the New Testament a couple of times cover to cover. However, I have been, like all Latter Day Saints, studying it since I was a young child, as it is a wonderful set of scripture which contains a lot about Jesus, his life, his reign and ministry.

The scripture I chose to share was from John 8, where Jesus is brought a woman who was taken in adultery, "In the very act!" as the Pharisees declared. Now, very often, the focus of this scripture is the fact that the Pharisees are attempting to confuse and destroy Christ by pitting His teachings against the law of Moses (which, incidentally, was also his teachings, but the Pharisees did not understand that). However, as a follower of Christ, I know that there is no danger of Him being stopped or confused by a design of man, therefore, it can be reasonably assumed that He would come up with a quick solution that would bless all those involved (as He did). During our meeting, I took the perspective of the sinner, who was brought before this man, being judged of her peers, knowing she was wrong, and very well the penalty for her sins; she was to be stoned and killed for her mistake. What Christ did next is of great importance. First, he showed the accusers that they truly had no right to judge her by inviting whomever was not a sinner among them to cast the first stone. After they left, "convicted by their own conscience", He turned to the woman and said "Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?" I can only imagine at this point that this woman was probably still tearful, scared, but bewildered, and beginning to feel hope. She answered that there was no man that was condemning her. Christ then forgave her, but told her to go her way and to sin no more.

Now, one thing we must remember is that Christ was not only merciful to the sinner, but to the Pharisees. He did not condemn them openly, He did not tell them of their sins, although surely he knew each and every one. He gave them a chance to repent, and to stop from committing a even more heinous sin than she had committed. He gave them the opportunity to not murder a woman which He saw as innocent in His sight, for He saw her as she really was, not as the state she was in. Likewise, there may have been a Pharisee who would have later repented and become a follower of Christ, but had he stoned this woman, would have taken a step in the direction of the unpardonable. The scriptures do not have an account of this, and it is likely that each of the Pharisees went on to live evil, sinful lives; but it is possible that they did not. It is even possible that every one of that group which accused the woman repented of their sins and became followers of Christ. Unfortunately, we do not know. We do know that not one of them was past feeling, as if they were, they would have cast stones and disregarded their conscience entirely, and as long as there is a glimmer of light in the soul of man, there is hope for redemption.

In this case, focusing entirely on the fact that Christ was great at debating, even to be able to stop a debate before it started with a single phrase causes you to miss the really important part of this account. Christ forgave the sinner. He taught the Pharisees. This leads me to a perspective I have observed among some in The Church which sorrows me in multiple ways. There are those who have never committed a major sin, have done everything they were supposed to do, followed the path of righteousness with exactness. This is extremely commendable, as it is extremely difficult to do this. Those who are this way, and remain humble, teachable, and loving, I commend you.

However, there are those who look down upon the sinners. They go as far as to be annoyed when they hear of those who have been redeemed from their sins, thinking that undue praise and glory are given to those who have returned. They are like the son who did not stray in the parable of the prodigal son. I am deeply saddened by this for multiple reasons. Firstly, I have strayed. I have gone through periods of inactivity, I have come very close to leaving The Church. Because of my mistakes, I lost the opportunity to serve a two year full time mission, a fact which haunts me even to this day, ten years after I did not serve. I went through about a period of a year and a half where I was terribly frightened and convinced that God did not exist, and had stacks of evidence which I could use to "prove" that He did not. I have been through hell of mind and soul. However, I have also felt the sweet peace that accompanies redemption and the return to God.

The main reason I feel for people who have a negative outlook on sinners is the fact that they are missing out on some amazing experiences. I think it is hard to find someone who understands and appreciates the Atonement more than someone who has been redeemed as a result of it. I know that there are those who have committed heinous sins, been through a personal hell, and were scarred because of it, who have tasted redemption, and now hold so fast to the rod of iron that there is no shaking them from it. These are some of the most humble, amazing people I have ever met. Yes, there are those amazing people who never have tasted the evil of the world who are also just as firm and strong with their grip on the iron rod, and have a deep understanding of the Atonement, I am not denying this. But it goes both ways. God allows all to be redeemed, and whether your experiences of good or your experiences of evil lead you to God, it matters not. What matters is the ultimate end, the faith which you hold at the end of it all.

I again testify that God is real, He is present, and He loves each of us. He wants us to repent, and He will redeem all who turn to Him. I testify this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.