What Is Our Misery?

In a moment we’ll read the catechism (Westminster Shorter, 17-19), which reminds us that our situation is one of sinfulness, and one of misery.  We are guilty, and we lack the righteousness we need to be accepted by the holy God.  Our misery is that we have lost communion with God.  That’s the biggest one, and why communion on the Lord’s Day is such a big deal – our relationship with God has been restored in Christ, thank God.  But it is important to recall that apart from Christ, all men remain under God’s wrath, and under His curse.  We are consigned fairly to death and hell forever.

Romans 1:18-21 tells us that we deserve this, since He makes Himself known well enough for us to be guilty when we turn from Him.  We refuse to glorify Him or thank Him, for our life and all His gifts.  And this is a damnable offense.

This reminds us of our need to confess our sins.

2/13/22

Romans 1:18-21

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q17. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?

A17. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.

 

Q18.  Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto

         man fell?

A18.  The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consists in

the guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin; together with all transgressions which proceed from it.

 

Q19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?

A19. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are

under His wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.