We all sin. Solomon points that out in 1 Kings 8 . It is noted numerous times in the Bible. But in 1 Kings, Solomon speaks a prayer for compassion from God when God’s people sin and then repent. When we sin we are exiled from God. In the Old Testament, this was a literal exile. When the nation of Israel would move away from God He would send an enemy to come in and take them into captivity (1 Kings 8:46 ). Solomon prayed that upon the repentance of the people of Israel that God would show compassion on the people. The captors would look with favor upon the Israelites, maybe to lighten their burden or to allow them to return home. In essence the people of Israel would choose to be in bondage. They knew the history: God’s favor, falling away, exile, repentance, God’s favor. It happened more than once in the history of Israel, so the people knew how God worked. He also would send them prophets to forewarn them of the impending judgement.

�In the New Testament era, we have been forewarned as well. We have been told of the consequences of rejecting Jesus. If we die without Jesus as the Lord of our lives we end up in hell. We have also been told that Jesus is coming back to get His children. Yet with warnings like this people still choose to sin. We all sin, even those who have committed themselves to Christ still sin. That sin leads to exile. Not literal exile like the Old Testament Jews experienced, but a different kind of exile.

�For those who have not committed themselves to Christ it is a separation from God. While on this earth, they do not experience an intimate relationship with Him. They go through life doing things according to their own will and volition. While God’s presence is on this earth, they do not understand it or submit to it. When they leave this earth, they are completely separated from God’s presence. We know this as hell. The Bible mentions that it is a place where we “will see the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against [God]; for their maggots will never die, their fire will never go out, and they will be a horror to all mankind.” As bad as that sounds, the fact that they are separated from the presence of God is much worse. It is not a place to be. Why would anyone choose to go there?

�For those who have said “yes” to the Lordship of Jesus, there is a sort of exile as well when we choose to sin. No, we are not condemned to hell, but we find our relationship with God strained. It is not that God has moved, for He forgives us through the work of Jesus on the cross. It is that we move away from Him in a manner of speaking. Let me illustrate it this way. Think of a time in your life where you have been in a strained relationship with another person. If it is someone you see on a regular basis, you remember how you felt the first time you saw the person after the incident? You probably wanted to avoid that contact. It most likely was uncomfortable. If you didn’t have to see that person, you probably did avoid them and may be doing so to this day. At the initial meeting you had a couple of options. You could be angry and escalate the “incident.” You could pretend nothing was wrong and have a very shallow, guarded relationship with that person from that point on. Or, you could deal with the issue Biblically and move forward with a meaningful relationship with that person.

�Our “incidents” with God are much the same. When we choose to sin, or in Solomon’s words, When they sin against You— for there is no one who does not sin, what happens? We can try to avoid Him. Many people do this, but it is a fruitless effort. Can a man hide himself in secret places where I cannot see him?”—the Lord’s declaration. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?”—the Lord’s declaration. (Jeremiah 23:24 , HCSB) There is no darkness, no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide themselves. (Job 34:22 , HCSB) Some act as if they believe God is not watching and just go on with their lives. These believers miss an intimate relationship with God through Jesus. Some believers who sin simply put on a “Godly” face and act as if nothing ever happened. For these believers their relationship with God becomes very guarded. They can’t reveal too much for fear of being found out. It is a tough place to live, but many live there on a daily basis.

�But by far the best way for a believer to handle sin is to deal with it Biblically. In short, admit it and quit it. The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. (Proverbs 28:13 , HCSB) God has made provision for our sin. Why would we choose to stay in captivity? Why would we choose to stay in the captivity of pretense? Why would we choose to stay in the captivity of sin? Turn to Jesus and be set free from the sin that so easily ensnares us. �