“Eleven men convicted for the rape of a pregnant woman and released by the Gujarat government after 15-odd years in jail, are “Brahmins” and have “good samskaras” was the statement given by a leader who defended the convicts. (NDTV news 18 August 2022) There are about 16 samskaras, which means sacrament or values, right from insemination to death, according to each stage of life. Performing the samskaras is believed to be the foundation for a noble life. Sadly, a person who performs these traditional rituals, in the prescribed manner is to be considered a perfect person. Even if that person performs a wicked act, that would be considered righteous as s/he is consecrated and already purified by rituals.
Sin: Sin is the transgression of the law of God, rebellion against God, desiring a higher position than God, or becoming like God. (I John 3:4; Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18) As descendants of Adam, all humans have inherited sin; unable to overcome sin, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; the wage of sin is death. (Romans 5:12: 3:23; 6:23) Hence, all humans are sinners; hence, their thoughts, acts, words, attitudes, behaviour, and relationships are tainted by sin.
Sin against God: The Bible teaches that all sins are rebellions against God. Joseph was seduced to do adultery with the wife of Potiphar, who was his boss. He refused. He said that he cannot sin against the wife of Potiphar and Potiphar and God. (Genesis 39:9)
Holiness: God is Holy that his majesty is incomparable and perfect, complete in moral purity, without blame, fault, blemish, pollution, or defilement. (Isaiah 6:1-5; Revelation 4:1-8) God should be worshiped in holiness and humans strive to attain holiness. (Psalms 96:9; I Peter 1:16)
Righteousness: Holy God expects humanity to walk in the paths of righteousness. Righteousness means what is right in God’s eyes. The human perspective of righteousness is flawed, and the bible declares that as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)
Forgiveness: Birth or rituals cannot forgive a person. Being cleansed by the blood of Lord Jesus Christ makes a person righteous. (I John 1:7)
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?