#hidden sin

Sins that have not been repented of and forsaken will not be pardoned and blotted out of the books of record, but will stand to witness against the sinner in the day of God. He may have committed his evil deeds in the light of day or in the darkness of night; but they were open and manifest before Him with whom we have to do. Angels of God witnessed each sin and registered it in the unerring records.

Sin may be concealed, denied, covered up from father, mother, wife, children, and associates; no one but the guilty actors may cherish the least suspicion of the wrong; but it is laid bare before the intelligences of heaven. The darkness of the darkest night, the secrecy of all deceptive arts, is not sufficient to veil one thought from the knowledge of the Eternal.

The Boldness of the Righteous

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way shall himself fall into his own pit, but the upright shall possess good things. 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but the poor man that hath understanding searcheth him out. 12 When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. 13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. — Proverbs 28:9-13 | Third Millennium Bible (TMB) Third Millennium Bible, New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Cross References: Psalm 58:10-11; Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 11:10; Proverbs 29:2; Isaiah 1:15; Matthew 18:6; Matthew 23:13; Luke 16:19-31; Luke 17:1-2; John 9:31; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; James 1:9-10

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by John Calvin

"Then they said to one another, 'We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.'" - Genesis 42:21

This is a remarkable passage showing that the sons of Jacob, when reduced to the greatest straits, recall to memory a fratricide committed thirteen years previously. Before affliction pressed upon them, they were in a state of torpor. Moses relates that even lately they had spoken without agitation of Joseph's death, as if conscious to themselves of no evil. But now they are compelled to enter into their own consciences. We see, then, how in adversity God searches and tries men, and how, while dissipating all their flattering illusions, he not only pierces their minds with secret fear but extorts a confession which they would gladly avoid.

Astonishing is the hypocrisy of men in covering their evils; and if impunity be allowed, their negligence will be increased twofold. Wherefore no remedy remains except that they who give themselves up to slumber when the Lord deals gently with them, should be awakened by afflictions and punishments. Joseph, therefore, produced some good effect when he extorted from his brethren the acknowledgment of their sin in which they had securely pleased themselves. And the Lord had compassion on them in taking away the covering with which they had been too long deceived. In the same manner, while he daily chastises us by the hand of man, he draws us, as guilty, to his tribunal. Nevertheless, it would profit but little to be tried by adversity unless he inwardly touched the heart. For we see how few reflect on their sins, although admonished by most severe punishments. Certainly no one comes to this state of mind but with reluctance.

He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. - Proverbs 28:13 | Berean Study Bible (BSB) The Berean Study Bible (BSB) © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub and Berean Bible. All rights Reserved.

by Aiden Wilson Tozer

No sin is private. It may be secret but it is not private.

It is a great error to hold, as some do, that each man's conduct is his own business unless his acts infringe on the rights of others. "My liberty ends where yours begins" is true, but that is not all the truth. No one ever has the right to commit an evil act, no matter how secret. God wills that men should be free, but not that they be free to commit sin.

Sin is three-dimensional and has consequences in three directions: toward God, toward self and toward society. It alienates from God, degrades self and injures others. Adam's is the classic example of a secret sin that overflowed to the injury of all mankind. History provides examples of persons so placed that their sins had wide and injurious effect upon their generation. Such men were Nero, Napoleon, Hitler and Stalin, to name but four. These men dramatized the destructive social results of personal sin; but every sin, every sinner injures the world and harms society, though the effects may be milder and less noticeable.

by Robert Murray M'Cheyne

'I am the door.' The only way into the Church of God, either for ministers or members is by Christ, and through faith in Him. Many enter in by learning; learning is not to be despised. But yet it is not the door. There are many that enter into the ministry, by having eminent gifts, but these are not the door. And those that enter in such a way are thieves and robbers, for they enter not in by the door. Again, many enter in by the door of worldly favour, some by the favour of the rich, some by the life of the common people, some by the favour of patron; but still they are still thieves and robbers, for they enter not in by the door. Remember then, and never forget it, that the right way into the ministry is through Jesus Christ. None can tell of sin, but those who have felt its burden. None can tell of pardon, but those who have tasted of it. None can tell of Christ's power to sanctify, but those who have holiness in their hearts. Brethren, hold such in reverence, flee from all others, they may have learning, they may have gifts, they may have the flattery of the common people, but they are thieves and robbers.

But further, there are many members who enter into the fold another way; they also are thieves and robbers. There are many who enter in by the door of knowledge they have got acquainted with Bible knowledge, they can tell of a way of sinner's acceptance with God; but if you have not come into the fold by being washed in the blood of Christ, you are a thief and a robber.

Some enter into the fold by a good life. As touching the law they are like Paul, blameless. You are not a thief, you are not a swearer, you are not a drunkard, you think you have a right to enter in a right to sit at the Lord's table; but Christ says it over and over again, you are a thief and a robber. Ah, brethren, remember if you are admitted into the fold on account of your morality, your outward decency, your good life, you are a thief and a robber. Brethren, there is a day coming when those who have entered into the sheepfold, not by the door, but some other way, will look back and see their guilt when they shall enter an undone eternity.