Sin: Definition and Origin

Sin, in the biblical context, is any action, thought, or attitude that transgresses the divine law and will of God. It is fundamentally a rebellion against God's holiness and righteousness. The concept of sin is introduced in Genesis with the disobedience of Adam and Eve, which brought sin into the world (Genesis 3:1-7). This original sin resulted in the fall of humanity, introducing death and separation from God as consequences (Romans 5:12).

The Nature of Sin

Sin is described in the Bible as pervasive and inherent in human nature. David acknowledges this in Psalm 51:5 , "Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me." Sin is not merely an external act but a condition of the heart. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 15:19 , "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

The Bible categorizes sin in various forms, including sins of commission (doing what is forbidden) and sins of omission (failing to do what is commanded). James 4:17 states, "Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin."

Judgment: Divine Justice

Judgment in the Bible refers to God's righteous and fair assessment of human actions. It is an essential aspect of God's character, as He is depicted as the ultimate judge who will hold every person accountable. Hebrews 9:27 declares, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment."

Temporal and Eternal Judgment

The Bible speaks of both temporal and eternal judgments. Temporal judgments are those that occur within history, such as the flood in Noah's time (Genesis 6-9) or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). These serve as warnings and calls to repentance.

Eternal judgment is the final assessment of humanity at the end of time. Revelation 20:12 describes this scene: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books."

The Role of Jesus Christ

Central to the Christian understanding of sin and judgment is the role of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus provides atonement for sin and offers salvation to all who believe. Romans 8:1 assures believers, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Repentance and Forgiveness

The Bible calls for repentance as a response to sin. Acts 3:19 urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Through repentance and faith in Christ, individuals receive forgiveness and are reconciled to God. 1 John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

The Final Judgment

The final judgment is a future event where Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. Matthew 25:31-32 describes this event: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."

In this judgment, those who have accepted Christ's sacrifice and lived according to His teachings will inherit eternal life, while those who have rejected Him will face eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:46).