The ‘death’ which sin merits - that death referenced in the Scriptures - is not synonymous with the victimization that is a byproduct of sin. That is to say, we are all culprits - sinners who have earned the sentence of eschatological death. Therein, we are also all victims to the sins of others, whether directly or indirectly - whether I’ve been raped or it’s my wife who’s been raped - victimized I have become. However, in both circumstances there is hope for restoration. God made himself like us, subject to temptation and victimization, in order that through death (on the cross), (eschatological) death might be conquered, and so we might be liberated from our victimization and thrive in that which we’ve been called to, for the glory of God.

To put it frankly: You and I have sinned and deserve death, but God’s grace covers our offenses. In the same way, you and I have fallen victim to the pain and suffering sin - both our own and other’s - but God has redeemed us with resurrection power, we are clean now, and we now have a hope for wholeness in the resurrection life when Jesus returns.

You may be a victim, but you are neither worthless nor weak, neither dirty nor hopeless. You are valuable and you are strong, but only in and through Christ can your value and strength be recognized. In Christ, you are clean and you have a hope for love, joy and peace.

MARANATHA