We often believe small myths—such as the idea that goldfish have a three-second memory—only to discover these “facts” aren’t quite true. If we can be misled about minor things, how much more crucial is it to recognize the subtle lies that shape our deepest beliefs?
The story of sin begins in Genesis, where humanity first encountered deception:
“But the Lord God warned him, ‘You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.’”
(Genesis 2:16–17, NLT)
“The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?’”
(Genesis 3:1, NLT)
A crafty voice cast doubt on the truth God had spoken. Ever since, sin has functioned like a spiritual virus, corrupting the way we see God, ourselves, and others.
The Progression of Doubt
- Questioning: When we first encounter a new idea or temptation, it might seem harmless. The seeds of doubt can be planted when we start wondering if God truly has our best interest at heart.
- Suspicion and Mistrust: Doubt grows, and we start to suspect that maybe God’s instructions are unfair or that He’s holding something good back from us.
- Hardening of the Heart: If we dwell on these suspicions, we move from a place of curiosity to active resistance.
- Unbelief: The final step is fully rejecting God’s truth. Sin leads to separation—from God, from others, and even within our own hearts.
“For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.”
(Romans 3:20, NLT)
None of us can fix this problem on our own. The Ten Commandments can diagnose our sinfulness—much like an antivirus reveals a system infection—but only Jesus can cleanse our hearts and restore us fully.
Jesus: The Big Solution
“But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.”
(1 John 3:8, NLT)
Jesus came to confront the root of evil:
- Truth Over Lies – In the wilderness (Luke 4:1–13), Satan twisted Scripture, but Jesus countered with the real meaning of God’s Word. By immersing ourselves in biblical truth, we can recognize and reject falsehoods.
- Authority Over Disease and Death – Throughout the Gospels, Jesus healed sickness, calmed storms, and even raised the dead. These miracles reveal that nothing is beyond His power.
- Forgiveness and Restoration – Ultimately, Jesus’ mission is to reconcile us to God. Through Him, the separation caused by sin is undone.
Restoring Trust
Humanity’s fall began with a failure to trust God’s character. Jesus shows us who the Father truly is:
“If you have seen me, you have seen the Father!”
(John 14:9, NLT)
He displays God’s goodness, patience, and steadfast love in everything He does. Trust—far from taking away our freedom—invites us into a life of genuine joy and connection.
“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ … ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’”
(Revelation 21:5, NLT)
One day, sin and suffering will be gone forever. Meanwhile, we have the opportunity to live in the hope that Jesus offers—renewed in mind, heart, and spirit.
