D. Sin

1. Sin is Lawlessness

When trying to define sin two or three simple passages in scripture are very helpful in providing the information needed. In the following verse sin is described as lawlessness.

Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4)

We have mentioned that God has given His commandments and laws to man to govern the way man lives. These laws are for the good of all and are meant to preserve the gift of life which God has given. When man obeys God’s law there is liberty and freedom to enjoy the gift of life with others without fear of future problems.

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; (Psalms 19:7)

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does. (James 1:25)

So, we see that the laws of God are perfect and are given to bless man. When we break God’s law we have committed sin and are acting in a way that will be detrimental to our own good and that of our neighbor.

2. Sin is Unrighteousness

Another verse found in the book of 1 John gives more helpful information regarding a definition of sin. Here sin is described as unrighteousness.

All unrighteousness is sin. (1 John 5:17)

Righteousness is a word used to describe the state of being in conformity with God’s laws and requirements. Consider the description of Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth found in the gospel of Luke:

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. {6} And they were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. (Luke 1:5-6)

These two godly people were described as being righteous in the site of God as they were faithfully observing His commandments. Furthermore, in many places in scripture righteousness is contrasted with lawlessness. The obvious inference is that those who are living in consistent patterns of disobedience to God’s laws are considered to be unrighteous and those acts which are contrary to God’s law are considered to be unrighteous acts. Consider these scriptures:

Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, {10} nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

It becomes clear then that unrighteousness is the same as lawlessness both of which describe the concept of sin. An informative verse related to these concepts is found in the book of Hebrews. The writer of this book points out the Jesus, God’s Son, was exalted to a position above all others because he hated lawlessness and loved righteousness. Again, the contrast serves to define the nature of unrighteousness as lawlessness.

But of the Son He says, “THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM. {9} “THOU HAST LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, THY GOD, HATH ANOINTED THEE WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE THY COMPANIONS.” (Hebrews 1:8-9)

Perhaps the whole matter can be summed up in the words of James:

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)

3. Sin is Rejecting God’s Plans and Purposes

We have mentioned before that God has given His laws to govern His creation. The point also needs to be made again that these laws govern mans life in the context of the pursuit of God’s plans and purposes. God has created and designed this world with specific plans and purposes which are not to be neglected or rejected. God’s original plan for the human family was to be fruitful and multiply and to fill the earth. This puts the focus of life on the family. Husbands and wives raising children in loving families where the truth about God is learned from God’s word.

As we will see in the topics to come sin has altered the original plans and purposes of God. In addition to the propagation of the human family God has other plans and purpose to which God calls man. The will of God for our lives now also includes our salvation and sanctification and service for the kingdom of God. However, for right now, the important point to realize and accept is that God has not created the human race so that each one could decide for themselves what they will do with “their” life. God has given very specific instructions regarding the plans and purposes He has for our lives. God’s word teaches us that when a person rejects the plans and purposes of God for their life in pursuit of their own, they are committing sin.

Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, And whose deeds are done in a dark place, And they say, “Who sees us?” or “Who knows us?” (Isaiah 29:15)

“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “Who execute a plan, but not Mine, And make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, In order to add sin to sin; (Isaiah 30:1)

THE ORIGIN AND NATURE OF SIN

We have looked at a biblical definition of sin which can be best described as the breaking of God’s laws and commandments along with the rejection of His plans and purposes for our lives. A closer look at the origin and nature of sin will be the focus of this sub-point. As more information comes to light about the origin and nature of sin it will become apparent that these things have great relevance to our lives today as we try and understand the true nature of this life.

1. Adam and Eve

The apostle Paul in the book of Romans explained in great detail many aspects of the nature and consequences of sin. The reader is encouraged to read the first eight chapters of the book of Romans to gain a greater understanding of this topic. When speaking of the origin of sin Paul went back to the beginning explaining to us that sin entered into the world through one man – Adam. Many today would question the historical reality of the first two people named Adam and Eve. However, the New Testament does not view these people as symbolic but as very real. Furthermore, as the consequences of sin are explained the reality of the people and the choices they made will become apparent. Consider these scriptures which confirm the historical nature of Adam and Eve and which comment on the first sins committed as recorded in the book of Genesis.

But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)

For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. {14} And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression. (1 Timothy 2:13-14)

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6)

…..through one man sin entered into the world. (Romans 5:12)

In these preceding verses, we find that Adam and Eve are referred to as real people; Adam being created first then Eve. Eve being deceived by the serpent fell into sin and her husband followed in this as well. Finally, in Romans 5:12 Paul states that sin entered the world through this first act of disobedience.

2. The Heart of Man

The scriptures teach that man is inherently flawed. This idea like that of sin is not popular with many today. However what needs to be embraced is not what is popular but what is true. The Bible as God’s word is true when it speaks of the condition of man. Consider the following scriptures which speak of the condition of man’s heart.

“The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

Jesus made this statement:

And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. {21} “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, {22} deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. {23} “All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” (Mark 7:20-23)

The apostle Paul, one of the greatest Christians to have lived, evaluated his own heart condition in these words:

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. {19} For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. {20} But if I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. {21} I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good……..{24} Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? (Romans 7:18-24)

While some might recoil at the thought of admitting to the presence of sin in their heart others might find hope in being able to define and understand a principle at work in their lives which moves them towards that which they know to be wrong. May such an individual find even more hope in the words of the great physician, Jesus, who has provided the way to defeat this enemy within:

And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. {32} “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32)

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin….. {36} “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)

THE UNIVERSAL SCOPE OF SIN

The most important aspect of sin that every person needs to understand and acknowledge is the universal nature of sin. The scriptures are clear and unmistakable on this point. Every person has sinned and stands before God guilty in this regard. Consider the following verses which speak to this issue.

… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

…for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; {10} as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; (Romans 3:9-10)

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. {9} If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. {10} If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)

These verses are not saying that every person is living a life characterized by consistent patterns of gross sin and rebellion against God but simply that all have sinned in one way or another and as a result that none can stand before God in perfect righteousness. Consider the words of James:

For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. {11} For He who said, “DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,” also said, “DO NOT COMMIT MURDER.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. (James 2:10-11)

Is there anyone reading these words who can honestly say they have never broken one of the ten commandments? Or that can say that they have always loved God with all their heart, soul and mind? So then, the scriptures again proves to be true:

... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN

There are three separate aspects of the consequences of sin which will be explained here: 1). The penalty of sin which describes the very real moral debt that every person now carries as a result of sin; 2). the power of sin which describes the enslaving and corrupting power that sinful thoughts, attitudes and actions can produce in the human heart; 3). the pain of sin which describes the misery and heartache that results in the lives of those trapped by the enslaving and corrupting power of sin. The reader can easily see the reality of the second two points in the world today. However, the reality of the moral debt of sin is something which can only be fully understood on the basis of the teaching of scripture.

1. The Penalty of Sin

When speaking of the penalty of sin three words need to be considered: death, separation, and condemnation. The scriptures records that God warned Adam and Eve that if they were to disobey Him the result would be death. While the serpent assured Eve that she would not die the resultant consequence was in fact the curse of death. Consider the facts as recorded in scripture,

Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’; Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. {18} “Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you shall eat the plants of the field; {19} By the sweat of your face You shall eat bread, Till you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:17-19)

The word which God spoke to Adam and Eve warning of the consequences of sin proved true as the curse of death was pronounced upon Adam along with hardship in the pursuit of his daily needs. Later in this same portion of scripture God drives Adam out of the garden and away from the tree of life. Adam would no longer experience the fellowship with God he once knew as a new sense of separation from God would be experienced.

Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, lest he stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”– {23} therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. {24} So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim, and the flaming sword which turned every direction, to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:22-24)

The prophet Isaiah speaking on God’s behalf to the nation of Israel highlights the separation from God that is caused by sin.

Behold, the LORD’S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Neither is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. {2} But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear. (Isaiah 59:1-2)

One might ask how the sin of Adam and Eve affects us today. Unfortunately, the Bible teaches that Adam stood as a representative of the entire human race. When he sinned the penalty of death and separation from God was placed upon the entire creation. Furthermore, the apostle Paul, who brings these truths to light, states that all mankind has come under judgment and condemnation because of the sin of Adam and because of their own sin.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned…{16}…. for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation…… {18} So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men…{19} For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners. (Romans 5:12;16;18;19)

The condemnation and separation from God that sin has caused is very real. The apostle Paul when writing to the Ephesian believers explained to them that before they became Christians they were separated from Christ, without God in their lives and in a hopeless state. This description is as valid today as it was when written by the apostle 2000 years ago:

…remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (Ephesians 2:12)

2. The Power of Sin

The Bible teaches that thoughts, attitudes of heart and actions which are sinful can eventually enslave an individual and destroy that person’s life. One need not look to far to see the reality of this matter all around. Many today are enslaved to alcohol and drugs. Others give testimony to being enslaved to lust and pornography and only God knows how many criminal sexual acts are the result of minds and hearts which have been poisoned by the pornographic industry. Others might be “controlled” by anger and hate that drives them to destructive acts of violence. The list goes on and on as the reality of the power of sin is demonstrated daily in the lives of multitudes of people.

For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He watches all his paths. {22} His own iniquities will capture the wicked, And he will be held with the cords of his sin. {23} He will die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray. (Proverbs 5:21-23)

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. {35} “And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. {36} “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)

3. The Pain of Sin

As in the case of Eve who was deceived regarding the consequences of sin, many today deceive themselves believing they will somehow escape the pain and unhappiness that sin will bring. However, the word of God proves true as countless lives have been ruined or scarred in pursuit of things which God in His word has warned man not to embrace. For example, the Bible forbids drunkenness, but many in pursuit of some misguided pleasure or desire to escape life’s responsibilities indulge in excess with alcohol. The resultant pain and misery that has occurred in the lives of the guilty parties and those as well who’s lives in one way or another come in contact with these individuals is beyond question. The truth of the matter is that there was never a person who became enslaved to alcohol who did not in a sober state of mind chose not once but over and over again to overindulge to the point of repeated drunkenness. The examples of the pain and misery that sin brings to life are too numerous to record!

Alas, sinful nation, People weighed down with iniquity, Offspring of evildoers, Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD, They have despised the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away from Him. {5} Where will you be stricken again, As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick, And the whole heart is faint. {6} From the sole of the foot even to the head There is nothing sound in it, Only bruises, welts, and raw wounds, Not pressed out or bandaged, Nor softened with oil.(Isaiah 57:20-21)

But the wicked are like the tossing sea, For it cannot be quiet, And its waters toss up refuse and mud. {21} “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 1:4-6)

No harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble. (Proverbs 12:21)

Please continue to the conclusion of this topic as we prepare to move forward and learn more about the Gospel and God’s great love for us!