Heliotherapy (Romans 6:1-2)

Heliotherapy was a popular form of medical treatment in the first half of the 20th century. It was based upon the belief that fair skinned individuals were at risk for vitamin D deficiency. The discovery that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is critical for an  important chemical reaction in the skin to convert Vitamin D to its active metabolite, led to generations of children and adults being treated with heliotherapy. Wearing only goggles, there were repeated and regular exposures to ultraviolet light. When later research showed that UVR could kill bacteria, patients with tuberculosis and impetigo were also exposed. All of this occurred during a period when the connections between skin aging, skin cancer and UVR were not established.

UVR  is not all bad. It does play a role to help in Vitamin D production and is an important sterilizing agent. But the small benefits are greatly outweighed by the destructive and life threatening effects UVR has on the human body. Today, no one would exclusively use UVR as a means to increase Vitamin D production or to sterilize and cleanse the skin.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Romans 6:1-2 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul admonished his followers to not continue in a life of sin. Some erroneously believed that they should continue sinning because it would allow God’s grace to be manifest. It is true that God’s grace would be manifested in a believer who confessed and repented of their sins. But Paul pointed out that if someone had truly accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they would have no desire to willfully sin. Like UVR, we should not invite situations that allow sin to creep into our life, thinking it may benefit or not hurt us. The old adage, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” is not correct in this situation. Sin does kill us. And if we allow even a little into our lives, there is no benefit, only despair and separation from God.

Only after many years, did physicians learn of the dangers of exposure to UVR . We have always known of the dangers of sin. There is no need to expose our lives to any amount.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.