Excuses

Scripture makes unmistakably clear that God accepts no excuses. In Genesis 3:9–19, Adam’s and Eve’s attempts to shift blame only deepen their guilt, revealing that excuses are grounds for judgment, not mitigation. Because God requires perfect faith and obedience, Christ fulfilled this in our place and then gives us grace so that we, in turn, may obey Him. Yet men prefer excuses to obedience, as Jesus illustrates in the parable of the unwilling guests whose self-serving rationalizations provoke the master’s anger (Luke 14:16–20). God accepts no excuses for unbelief, for neglecting His Word, for refusing to tithe, or for failing to serve Him in every area of life. A society built on excuses becomes dangerous, justifying sin wherever desire or sentiment demands it workers excusing sabotage because of wages, parents excusing delinquency because they “feel sorry,” and individuals excusing every cherished sin. Excuses justify sin; grace justifies sinners. God offers to make us new so that “the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us” (Rom. 8:4). We must choose: a world of irresponsibility and excuses, or the world of righteousness and responsibility our lives depend on it.