It would seem to me there are (at least) two audiences out there. One is trying hard to please the Lord and sometimes needs encouragement (You're sins are forgiven!). The other isn't trying hard at all and needs some discipline (God hates sin!).
I might be trying to offer encouragement by saying, "Your sins are forgiven," and someone might say, "No, God hates sin!"
Or I might be issuing a warning to an unrepentant sinner by saying, "God hates sin," and someone might say, "No, his sins are forgiven."
I might be trying to offer encouragement by saying, "Your sins are forgiven," and someone might say, "No, God hates sin!"
Or I might be issuing a warning to an unrepentant sinner by saying, "God hates sin," and someone might say, "No, his sins are forgiven."
