> Thursday 05/21/20

HAVE YOU GONE VIRAL?

Have You Gone Viral?

Here are eight facts about viruses. Can you draw the 8 analogies between viruses and sin?

1. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not likely to have been created by God.

2. Unlike bacteria, scientists continually debate whether viruses are dead or alive.

3. Viruses are parasitical. They cannot reproduce on their own. 

4. Viruses appear deceptively similar to natural functions.

5. Viruses force the body to do their own bidding. 

6. Viruses use human cells to manufacture new copies until the victim is overwhelmed.

7. Viruses mutate, making them difficult targets.

8. Viruses are vulnerable to light.

1. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not likely to have been created by God.

 “God did not create viruses, since they do not reproduce after their kinds or even clone themselves, like microbes. They are modified genetic material that can capture a cell’s reproductive processes. Thus, it forces it to make copies of itself. Viruses never do good, like the good things God made.” - Victor McAllister

God did not create sin. God is not the author of sin or of confusion of any kind, but He is the author of salvation and forgiveness!  Read Hebrews 12:2.

2. Unlike bacteria, scientists continually debate whether viruses are dead or alive.

“Nobody’s quite sure if we can label viruses as “living. Many scientists struggle with this  question.” - Lifeliqe

While we can define sin and even speak of its properties we do not fully understand its exact nature and we certainly cannot see it. Biblical teachers may debate whether it is an entity or not, but we agree it is very much present! Just as the oceans contain at least 200,000 unique viral populations (BBC.com), so sin has infected all of mankind. Just as all men must contend with viruses, all men have been infected with sin (

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"  - Romans 3:23.

Sin entered the world through God’s creatures and it is what separates us from our God. In our efforts to quarantine ourselves from viruses we have separated ourselves from each other. As man tries to quarantine himself from sin through good works he only separates himself even more from God. We cannot cure ourselves. We can only make things worse.

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” - Romans 4:4-5

3. Viruses are parasitical. They cannot reproduce on their own. 

James says that sin is the result of lust (from the outside) reproducing itself as sin inside the human heart. For a full explanation, read James 1:13-18.  Sin cannot reproduce on its own. It requires a host. We sin because we are sinners. We are not innocent victims of sin.

“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” - James 1:15

4. Viruses appear deceptively similar to natural functions.

“They can be  defined as a collection of a few molecules of genetic material, nucleic acid covered by a  layer of protein mass to shelter themselves.” - Lifeliqe

When we wash our hands singing Happy Birthday we are exposing the virus for what it is and destroying its mucous like shield. At that point the body can recognize and destroy it.

When we cleanse our spiritual hands we can stave off the spawning of sin in our own lives.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” - James 4:8

This cleansing is readily available:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:9-10.

5. Viruses force the body to do their own bidding. 

“They cannot survive for a long by themselves, therefore they need a host on whom they can ‘parasite’. However, this coexistence is only beneficial for the virus, as it takes over its host and forces him to do his bidding by overwriting its genetic material with its own.” - Lifeliqe

Sin brings bondage and, ironically death.  - Romans 6:20-23

6. Viruses use human cells to manufacture new copies until the victim is overwhelmed.

“Cells become a ‘manufactory’ and create many copies of the original virus, which then inflict other ones and continue until the  immune system or drugs slows them down or stops them.” - Lifeliqe

Again, "Sin, when it is finished, brings forth death." James 1:15

7. Viruses mutate, making them difficult targets.

“Every virus mutates. It is part of the life cycle of the virus.” - Healthline.com

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

8. Viruses are vulnerable to light, especially ultra violet light.

“As the researchers explained, broad-spectrum UVC light kills viruses and bacteria, and it is currently used to decontaminate surgical equipment. But this type of light can cause skin cancer and cataracts, so it’s not used in public spaces.” - WebMd

“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” - John 3:20,21

Conclusion:

The struggle with viruses will likely continue and may even be hinted at in the book of Revelation. The solution for sin, on the other hand has been provided and is freely available to all.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.

Learn more about the good news of Jesus Christ here!