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Recently, I read the book titled, Perspectives on the Ending of Mark 4 Views, edited by David Alan Black. This book focuses on one of the most important problems in New Testament textual criticism.  The book is a compilation of papers that were read at a conference entitled “The Last Twelve Verses of Mark: Original or Not,” held April 13-14, 2007, at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.  Perspectives are presented by: Daniel Wallace, Maurice Robinson, Keith Elliott, David Alan Black and Darrell Bock.  Bock presents a summary of the earlier writers and then gives his own assessment of the textual problem.  I have posted my own review of this book on my blog under Book Reviews.  I would welcome your comments.  If you desire to make a comment, please click on the comments box and you will be taken to a page where you can reply.

Most would like to drop the word sin from their vocabulary.  However, sin is the only intrinsic evil.  The Bible defines it clearly.  “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death” (I John 5:17).  “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4).  “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).
When we sin, sin changes us.  For this reason, sin is radical.  It brings about significant changes within us, in our relationships with others and, most significant, in our relationship with God.  Consider the following thoughts.
Sin Diminishes Us.  In Gen. 3:8, Adam and Eve hide from God after transgressing His law (Gen. 2:17).  When they sinned, they lost their innocency.  They lost virtue.  They lost purity.  This type of loss is costly to the human mind and heart.  The first couple now experience fear and shame.
Sin Redefines Us.  When we sin, we become a sinner.  Our self-concept is radically altered.  No one can really be proud of sin.  Sin is not to be praised.  While many may boast because of their sin, they do so ignorantly.  In Gen. 4:23-24, Lamech boasted of murdering another human being.  We are disappointed in such a boast.  His humanity is tainted.
Sin Separates Us.  Sin separates us from God.  “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isa. 59:1-2). Sin involves a loss of intimacy with God.  When we sin, we die spiritually.  To be spiritually separated from God defines being lost.  Sin also separates us from one another.  Lies, gossip, envy, jealousy, greed, adultery and many other sins have destroyed untold relationships.  Sin always is destructive to relationships.
Sin Corrupts Us.  It devalues us.  The world before the flood was wicked.  Every imagination of the thoughts of the hearts of men was only evil continually (Gen. 6:5).  The earth was corrupt and filled with violence (Gen. 6:11).  God was grieved.  God changed in His purpose toward man and determined to punish him with destruction.  God could no longer delight in man.
Sin Enslaves Us.  While many practice sin as an expression of freedom, they are deceived.  Sin makes us slaves.  “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34).  When we sin, we loose our freedom.  We enter into bondage.
Sin Condemns Us.  When we sin, we fall under the penalty of sin.  Sin changes our spiritual status before God.  We are defined by sin as: wicked or children of the devil (I John 3:10).  Our new identity is not pretty.
Sin changes us, but not for the better.  Because of sin, we need a transformation by the power of God.  Jesus Christ was manifest to take away the works of the devil and restore purity to our soul.  He offers cleansing through the power of His blood.  Salvation is desparately needed by all who sin.  Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).  Jesus can change us and our lives will be better than ever!  He offers forgiveness, peace, and hope.