Definition and Nature of Sin

Sin, in the biblical context, is any action, thought, or attitude that goes against the character and commands of God. It is a transgression of divine law and a deviation from God's intended path for humanity. The Apostle John succinctly defines sin in 1 John 3:4 : "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness."

Origin of Sin

The origin of sin is traced back to the rebellion of Satan and the subsequent fall of humanity. In Genesis 3, the serpent, identified as Satan in Revelation 12:9, tempts Eve to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, leading to the first act of human disobedience. This act of defiance against God's command brought sin into the world, as described in Romans 5:12 : "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

Scripture affirms the universality of sin, asserting that all humans are inherently sinful. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This inherent sinfulness is often referred to as "original sin," a condition passed down from Adam to all his descendants.

Consequences of Sin

The consequences of sin are both immediate and eternal. Sin separates humanity from God, as Isaiah 59:2 declares: "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." The ultimate consequence of sin is spiritual death, 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."

Types of Sin

The Bible categorizes sin in various ways, including sins of commission and omission. Sins of commission involve actively doing what is forbidden, while sins of omission involve failing to do what is commanded. James 4:17 highlights sins of omission: "Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin."

The Role of the Law

The Mosaic Law serves to reveal sin and its seriousness. Romans 7:7 explains, "What then shall we say? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if it had not been for the law. For I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'" The law acts as a mirror, reflecting humanity's sinful nature and need for redemption.

Redemption from Sin

The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the solution to the problem of sin. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus provides atonement for sin and offers reconciliation with God. 1 John 2:2 states, "He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Faith in Christ and His redemptive work is the means by which individuals are justified and forgiven.

The Believer's Struggle with Sin

Even after conversion, believers continue to struggle with sin. The Apostle Paul describes this internal conflict in Romans 7:19 : "For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do." However, believers are called to live by the Spirit, who empowers them to overcome sin and grow in holiness, as seen in Galatians 5:16 : "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

The Final Victory Over Sin

The ultimate victory over sin is promised in the eschatological hope of the new creation. Revelation 21:4 assures believers of a future where sin and its effects are eradicated: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This future reality motivates believers to persevere in faith and righteousness.