Sin: Definition and Origin

Sin, in the biblical context, is understood as any action, thought, or attitude that falls short of God's perfect standard of holiness and righteousness. It is a transgression against the divine law and a rebellion against God's authority. The concept of sin is first introduced in the Bible in the account of the Fall in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve disobey God's command, leading to the entrance of sin into the world. Romans 5:12 states, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned."

The Universality of Sin

The Bible asserts the universality of sin, affirming that all humans are inherently sinful due to the Fall. Romans 3:23 declares, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This inherent sinfulness is often referred to as "original sin," indicating that every person is born with a sinful nature. The prophet Isaiah also emphasizes this condition, stating, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6).

The Consequences of Sin

Sin has both immediate and eternal consequences. In the immediate sense, sin separates individuals from God, as seen in Isaiah 59:2 : "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." This separation results in spiritual death, as articulated in Romans 6:23 : "For the wages of sin is death." The ultimate consequence of unrepentant sin is eternal separation from God, often described as hell or eternal punishment.

Redemption: The Divine Solution

Redemption is the divine act of delivering humanity from the bondage and penalty of sin through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The concept of redemption is rooted in the Old Testament, where it often involved the payment of a price to secure the release of a person or property. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate Redeemer who pays the price for sin with His own blood. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace."

The Role of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is central to the doctrine of redemption. His sinless life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection provide the means by which humanity can be reconciled to God. 1 Peter 2:24 affirms, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His stripes you are healed." Through faith in Christ, believers are justified, or declared righteous, before God, as stated in Romans 5:1 : "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

The Process of Redemption

Redemption involves several key components: repentance, faith, and sanctification. Repentance is the acknowledgment of sin and a turning away from it, as seen in Acts 3:19 : "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Faith is the trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as believers grow in Christlikeness.

The Assurance of Redemption

Believers are assured of their redemption and eternal life through the promises of God. John 10:28 provides comfort: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand." This assurance is grounded in the faithfulness of God and the completed work of Christ, offering believers hope and confidence in their salvation.