The Gulf Oil Spill as an Illustration of Sin

The Gulf Oil Spill is a horrific disaster. It calls to mind an even greater tragedy which affects each of us in much more significant ways. Let's look at some of the parallels . . .

The Gulf Oil Spill started with the catastrophic fall of something that was created good . . .

Just as mankind fell catastrophically from original innocence when Adam and Eve sinned.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned . . . (Romans 5:12)

The problem with the Gulf Oil Spill is not just what is on the surface, but the gushing well in the depths below . . .

Just as sin is not a mere behavioral issue, but a deeply rooted condition flowing from an evil and corrupt heart.

And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." (Mark 7:20-23)

The significance of the Gulf Oil Spill has been minimized, discounted and treated lightly . . .

Just as sin is taken lightly and not approached with the seriousness and severity it deserves.

For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain, and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely. They have healed the brokenness of my people superficially, saying, 'Peace, peace,' but there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6:13-14)

There have been repeated unsuccessful attempts to fix the Gulf Oil Spill . . .

Just as there have been repeated unsuccessful attempts to save mankind from the effects of sin.

For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:2-3)

The Gulf Oil Spill will carry an immense price tag, with environmental effects, lost jobs and bankrupted businesses . .
Just as sin has cost mankind all of his spiritual riches, leaving every one of us spiritually dead and entirely bankrupt.

What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; (Romans 3:9-10)

The most hopeful remedy for the Gulf Oil Spill is a relief well that will draw the polluting oil into an alternate path and make a complete capping of the broken well achievable . . .

Just as the only remedy for human sin is the substitutionary atonement of Christ, leading to the ultimate redemption and final righteousness of His people. (NOTE: Whereas the relief well is not a guarantee, the atoning work of Christ is a guarantee of salvation for all who come to Him in faith).

. . . Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession . . . (Titus 2:13-14)

Even with a successful relief well, the Gulf Oil Spill cleanup will be a long term process . . .

Just as sanctification is a progressive work that requires time, effort, and ongoing faith.

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. (Colossians 2:6-7)

In the time of the New Heavens and New Earth, when the creation itself has been redeemed, all the effects of the Gulf Oil Spill will be completely remedied . . .
Just as the effects of sin will be completely remedied when we see Jesus face to face.

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (I John 3:2-3)