From “How to become a Christian”: Chapter 6 – The bad news first – sin and its consequences.
The people who find it hardest to realise the extent and seriousness of their own sin are the so called “respectable” people. If you have a job, own a house, and have never been to prison or convicted of a crime, then beware. The chances are very high that you will miss the point and assume that sin is what ‘other people’ do. Please be willing to abandon any self-righteous ideas about yourself. Accept that when the Bible speaks of sin and sinners, it means you and me. It does not mean “them”, or “others”, or “that group over there”. We are all sinners:
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.
Ecclesiastes 7:20 (NIV)
Finally, remember that if we don’t fear the Lord and put Him first then there will be dire consequences:
24But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.
1 Samuel 12:24-25 (NIV)
