News alerts blew up my phone this past Friday evening, informing me of the the terrorists attacks taking place in Paris, France.

Coordinated attacks in Paris left over 100 people dead, hundreds injured, and millions across the world heartbroken. As I’ve scrolled through Facebook and Twitter, I’ve read post after post that read something along theses lines…

“I’m so shocked!”

“I don’t understand how humans could do this to one another!”

“Who knew humans could be this evil?”

While the attacks are absolutely heartbreaking, and I morn the loss of any innocent life, the attacks in Paris don’t surprise or shock me. As commanded in Romans 12:15, Christians have wept with those who are weeping. Our hearts break over the pain and grief our French brothers and sisters are experiencing as their nation has been brutally attacked.

The terrorists attacks in Paris should break our hearts, but not surprise us!

Christians should not be surprised at the depth of evil. If we have a correct understanding of sin and sin nature, we understand that all humans are born with an innate sin nature that has no limits on how horrendous it can be

“As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” – Romans 3:10-12

If you do not have a proper understanding of human’s true condition, of course you will be shocked at the depth of evil. Many people believe that humans are basically good, so when something as horrific as the Parisian attacks occur, they are left grasping for air, because they cannot understand how this could happen. Throughout the Bible an innate sin nature in humans is clearly taught.

Because I am sinful, I can never work my way into good standing with God. Sin separates humans from a personal relationship with the Lord. God is holy and just, and cannot co-exist with sin. The penalty for sin against God is eternal death and separation apart from God. Not only is God just, He is also merciful and provided His son, Jesus to die in our place for our sin. God’s justice demands a payment for sin. For anyone who would place their trust in Jesus, He is that payment. His death, burial and resurrection satisfy the wrath of God. When the Lord looks at those whom have trusted in Christ for their salvation from sin, He sees the blood of Christ paying for our sins. 

Dear Saint, may the attacks break your heart but may you also remember that apart from the grace of God, you are just like the terrorists who attacked Paris.

You are a sinner. I am a sinner. By God’s grace, we can be forgiven!

Praise God that by His incredible grace we have a way to be forever forgiven. Allow 1 John 1:9 to be a sweet comfort for your soul: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”