SIN
Sin is defined in the Bible as the breaking, or transgression, of God’s law.
” Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. ”
( 1 John 3:4 ).
It is also described as disobedience or rebellion against God as well as independence from God.
” Remember this and never forget how you aroused the anger of the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the LORD. ” ( Deuteronomy 9:7 )
The original translation means “to miss the mark” of God’s holy standard of righteousness.
” Surely, I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. “( Psalm 51:5 )
” For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. “( 1 Corinthians 15:22.)
From Middle English sinne, syne, sunne, zen,
From Old English syn (“sin”),
From Proto-West Germanic *sunnju,
From Proto-Germanic *sunjō ( ‘truth’, ‘excuse’ ) and *sundī, *sundijō ( “sin” ),
From Proto-Indo-European *h₁s-ónt-ih₂,
From *h₁sónts ( “being, true”, implying a verdict of “truly guilty” against an accusation or charge ),
From *h₁es- (“to be”); compare Old English sōþ (“true”; see soothe). Doublet of suttee.
Hamartiology
A branch of Christian theology that is the study of sin, describes sin as an act of offence against God by despising his persons and Christian biblical law, and by injuring others. Christian hamartiology is closely related to concepts of natural law, moral theology and Christian ethics. According to Augustine of Hippo ( 354–430 ), sin is “a word, deed, or desire in opposition to the eternal law of God, or as scripture states, “sin is the transgression of the law.
In a religious sense, sin refers to a violation of divine law or a law set by God. Different cultures may have their perspectives on what constitutes a sin. Although sins are typically associated with actions, any thought, word, or behaviour that is deemed immoral, selfish, shameful, harmful, or alienating could be described as “sinful.”
” Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. ” ( Romans 3:20 )
TYPES OF SINS
Original Sin
The introduction of sin into the world can be traced back to Adam’s fall. As the representative of all humanity, Adam’s actions led to a state of sinfulness for future generations. This concept, known as original sin or inherited sin, is the root cause of corruption in human life.
Every individual inherits this sinful nature as a consequence of Adam’s initial act of disobedience. It is important to recognize that original sin taints the life of every person, as all humans have adopted this sinful nature through Adam’s original transgression.
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way, death came to all people because all sinned— ( Romans 5:12 )
Generational Sin
It is stated that the sins of the fathers can have an impact on their descendants for up to three or four generations. This idea suggests that unresolved issues can be passed down from one generation to another. However, it is important to note that Jesus is the one who can break the cycle of this curse. He has the power to free us from the bondage of generational sin, but it requires our willingness to accept His help.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, ( Exodus 20:5 )
In Christian theology, there are several categories of sins, commonly known as the seven deadly sins. These include pride, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, and wrath. Pride can also be referred to as vanity or vainglory, while greed is sometimes known as avarice or covetousness. Additionally, wrath is synonymous with anger. It is closely related to the idea of total depravity, which suggests the inherent sinful nature of humanity. Other related terms include concupiscence, venial sin, mortal sin, the seven deadly sins, and the controversial concept of the unforgivable sin,
And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. ( Matthew 12:31 )
Venial Sin
Venial sins are considered lesser offences that do not sever one’s relationship with God completely. While they still cause damage, they can be forgiven through repentance and do not lead to eternal separation from God.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
( 1 John 1:9 )
Mortal Sin
Mortal sins are grave offences that sever one’s relationship with God entirely. They require sincere repentance and forgiveness to restore the broken bond. Failing to seek forgiveness for mortal sins can result in eternal separation from God.
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. ( Luke 6:45 )
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
( Proverbs 28:13 )
Sins of Commission
Sins of commission involve actively engaging in morally wrong actions. These deliberate choices go against the teachings of the Bible and can lead to spiritual and moral consequences.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ( Ephesians 5 : 11-12 )
Idol worship is regarded as a sin of commission, according to biblical teachings. In the Bible, God explicitly commands His people to worship Him alone and not to create or worship idols. This is emphasized in the Ten Commandments.
“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol or worship any other gods”
( Exodus 20 : 3-4 ).
Idol worship involves attributing divine qualities or worshipping objects or images as representations of gods or deities. It is considered a violation of the first commandment, which emphasizes the exclusive worship of the true God.
“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. ( Jonah 2:8 )
Throughout the Bible, idol worship is condemned and associated with spiritual adultery and rebellion against God. It is seen as a form of misplaced devotion and a rejection of the true relationship with God. Engaging in idol worship goes against the fundamental principles of monotheism and the belief in the one true God. It is seen as a betrayal of faith and a distortion of the proper worship of God.
Sins of Omission:
Sins of omission occur when individuals fail to fulfil their moral obligations or neglect to do what is right. These sins involve a lack of action or neglecting to carry out one’s responsibilities, resulting in spiritual consequences.
” You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” ( James 4:4 )
Sins of Thought: Sins of thought encompass sinful desires, emotions, and intentions that occur within one’s mind. Examples include lust, envy, hatred, and other negative thoughts that go against the principles of love, compassion, and righteousness.
” He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” ( Mark 7 : 20-23 )
“But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people”. ( Ephesians 5:3 )
Are All Sins Equal to God?
The Bible states that there are degrees of sin—that some are more detestable to God than others.
” For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly. “
( Deuteronomy 25:16 )” There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. “( Proverbs 6 : 16-19 ).
The Abomination Concerning the Temple and Priesthood
In the book of Numbers, there is a reference to the concept of “abomination concerning the temple and priesthood.” This passage sheds light on a sinful nature that is associated with actions or behaviours that go against the sacred duties and responsibilities of the priesthood.
The LORD said to Aaron, “You, your sons and your family are to bear the responsibility for offences connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons alone are to bear the responsibility for offences connected with the priesthood. ( Numbers 18:1 )
The passage addresses the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the responsibilities and privileges of the Levitical priesthood. The Levites were chosen to serve in the temple and carry out various sacred duties. However, any deviation from these responsibilities or engaging in actions that defile the sanctity of the temple and priesthood is considered an abomination and a sin.
The Sinful Nature
The sinful nature of the abomination concerning the temple and priesthood lies in the violation of the sacred trust bestowed upon the priests. The temple was a holy place, and the priesthood was meant to uphold its sanctity through their actions and conduct. Engaging in practices that defiled the temple or neglecting their duties was seen as a direct offence against God and His commandments.
Consequences of the Sin
The consequences of committing the abomination concerning the temple and priesthood were severe. In the biblical context, it often resulted in divine punishment or removal from the priesthood. This highlights the seriousness of the sin and the importance of maintaining the purity and reverence of the temple and priesthood.
Implications for Today
It serves as a reminder to individuals in positions of religious leadership or responsibility to uphold the sanctity of their roles and to avoid actions that defile the sacred spaces or neglect their duties.
Finding Redemption: Dealing with the Problem of Sin
Sin is a grave issue that affects every individual. The Scriptures make it clear that no one is exempt from its grasp. It describes our righteous acts as filthy rags’
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away. ( Isaiah 64:6 )
It emphasizes the universal lack of righteousness and understanding.
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
( Romans 3 : 10-12 )
Further highlights that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ( Romans 3 23 )
Understanding the Problem
Sin acts as a barrier, separating us from a close relationship with God and leading to spiritual death. Its pervasive influence corrupts our thoughts, actions, and desires. Recognizing the gravity of sin is the first step towards seeking a solution. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ( Psalms 51 : 1-2 )
The Solution: Jesus Christ:
God, in His infinite love and mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to provide a way out of the bondage of sin. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sins, offering forgiveness and redemption to all who believe in Him.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ( Romans 6:23 )
Seeking Redemption:
To receive the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice, individuals must acknowledge their sinful nature and turn to Jesus in faith. This involves repentance, a genuine sorrow for one’s sins, and a desire to turn away from them. By accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, believers can experience the transformative power of His grace and receive forgiveness for their sins.
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” ( 1 Peter 2:24 )
Avoiding Wickedness and Sinful Associations:
“Once redeemed, believers are called to live a life that reflects their newfound freedom from sin. This involves cultivating a personal relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance. Additionally, being part of a supportive community of fellow believers can provide encouragement and accountability on the journey of faith.
” These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. “( 1 Corinthians 10 : 11-14 )
” Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” ( Psalms 119:133 )
Developing the Right Attitude Towards Sin:
It is important to acknowledge that sin is a universal reality.
“If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. “( 1 John 1:10 )
“one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” ( 1 John 3:9 )
The issue becomes more intricate when we encounter Bible passages that imply certain sins may be open to interpretation, and that sin is not always straightforward.
To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against
anyone’s account where there is no law.
Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of
Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as
did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one
man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man,
Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result
of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift
followed many trespasses and brought justification.
For if, by the trespass of the one
man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s
abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one
man, Jesus Christ!
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one
righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
For just as through the
disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the
obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace
increased all the more,
so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through
righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
( Romans 5 : 13-21 )
It is crucial to adopt a balanced and discerning attitude towards sin. While recognizing the universality of sin, we should strive to align our actions with God’s teachings and avoid habitual sin. We must also be mindful of the potential gray areas in sin, where personal convictions and interpretations may differ among believers. Ultimately, our attitude towards sin should be rooted in humility, seeking guidance from Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. We should aim to live by God’s principles while respecting the diversity of perspectives within the Christian community.
By doing so, we can navigate the complexities of sin with wisdom and grace. Sin is a universal problem that separates us from God and condemns us to death. However, through Jesus Christ, we can find redemption and freedom from its curse. By acknowledging our sinful nature, repenting, and accepting Jesus as our Savior, we can experience forgiveness and begin a transformed life in Him