Lostness

Matthew 18:11 and Luke 19:10 state, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

 

Yesterday, I was listening in upon the national “Prayer Call” of the Saturate USA evangelism outreach, and one of the pastors who called in used the word “lostness” in referring to the state of the unsaved individual that this doorhanger packet with a DVD of the Jesus Movie and a Gospel message booklet were design to reach by this door-to-door personal visitation lovingly provided. A heart for the lost comes from an enlightened and spiritually discerning heart for Christ. In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” 

 

In loving God above all, to seek the lost with the Gospel of Salvation as our Lord did is a natural inclination of the transformed and consecrated heart. When something is broke, then fix it; and likewise, when someone is lost and dying, then find and save them. Lostness was a word that isn’t used often, so caught my ear and interest. If someone were to ask: “In one word, what is the biggest problem in the world today?” Lostness is the word and sin is the one word Root Cause. In order to be “saved”, you must be “lost”. But, many non-believers don’t comprehend their own lostness and ask: “how am I lost?” So, resist the lifeguard’s or search and rescue team’s attempt to save them. Most secular people have (1) the lack of understanding of what is sin. By definition: Sin is the voluntary departure of a moral agent from a known rule of rectitude or duty, prescribed by God; any voluntary transgression of the divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity. Sin is either a positive act in which a known divine law is violated, or it is the voluntary neglect to obey a positive divine command, or a rule of duty clearly implied in such command. Sin comprehends not action only, but neglect of known duty, all evil thoughts purposes, words and desires, whatever is contrary to God's commands or law. 

 

Lack of understanding of (2) Who they are sinning against. Though sinners sin against people, places (like the earth and it’s natural resources) and things (animals and nature), they ultimately sin against the Creator of them all and His perfect Laws; for in Him we live and move and have our being. King David of Israel understood this and rightfully prayed in Psalm 51:2-4, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. 

And (3) the lack of understanding of the ultimate consequences of sin, as they walk blindly in darkness; lost to Hell. Romans 6:23a states, “For the wages of sin is death”, meaning that the sinner earns the wrath of God against their voluntary transgression of His divine law, or violation of His divine command in willful wicked acts of malicious unrighteousness against God. Therefore, lost in sin; a life ruined; destroyed; or wasted. Luke 9:25 asks, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” 

 

But, everyone walking in lostness is worth finding and saving. Jesus said in Luke 15:4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” 2 Peter 3:9 explains that, “the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But, it takes the enlightened born-again Believers to bring the light of the Gospel to those who do not know and walk in darkness. Jesus proclaims in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 

 

Jesus is the cure for “lostness”. The goal in God’s plan of Salvation has always been forgiveness and restoration on the sinner. Then, as in Luke 15:24, our heavenly Father can say: “For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus gave this command to His disciples, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Seek and save the lost; Foundness, not lostness!

 

In Christ, Brian