Sin

Sin, in the biblical context, is understood as any action, thought, or attitude that transgresses the will and law of God. It is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, representing the moral failing and rebellion of humanity against the Creator. The origin of sin is traced back to the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as described in Genesis 3. This original sin introduced a fallen state into the world, affecting all of creation and every human being born thereafter.

The Apostle Paul articulates the universality of sin in Romans 3:23, stating, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin is not merely an external act but also an internal condition of the heart. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 5:28, where He taught that even lustful thoughts are equivalent to the act of adultery.

Sin manifests in various forms, including but not limited to idolatry, immorality, theft, deceit, and pride. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide a foundational moral code that highlights key areas where sin is evident. The consequences of sin are severe, leading to spiritual death and separation from God, as noted in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Defilement

Defilement in the Bible refers to the state of being unclean or impure, often in a ritualistic or moral sense. In the Old Testament, defilement is frequently associated with ceremonial laws given to the Israelites. These laws, found in books such as Leviticus, outline various sources of defilement, including contact with dead bodies, certain diseases, and the consumption of unclean foods.

Leviticus 11:44-45 underscores the call to holiness and separation from defilement: "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming creature that moves along the ground."

In the New Testament, Jesus redefines the concept of defilement, shifting the focus from external observances to the condition of the heart. In Mark 7:15, He declares, "Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, but what comes out of a man, that is what defiles him." This teaching emphasizes that true defilement arises from within, from evil thoughts and intentions.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on moral defilement in his epistles, urging believers to live lives of purity and holiness. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, he warns against sexual immorality, stating that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should not be defiled.

The remedy for sin and defilement is found in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are offered forgiveness and cleansing. 1 John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This cleansing is both a legal declaration of righteousness and an ongoing process of sanctification, as the believer is transformed into the image of Christ.