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Definition
The truth of sin is evident in everyday life. Its effects range from the smallest indiscretions to unfathomable atrocities. The corruption of mankind manifests itself regardless of race or gender. It is an all-encompassing condition. Wayne Grudem provides this definition: “Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.”[2] Buswell defines it this way, “Sin may be defined ultimately as anything in the creature which does not express, or which is contrary to, the holy character of the Creator.”[3]
The various Hebrew and Greek words that define sin mean the same thing, to miss the mark. Missing the mark also implies that a sinner hits the wrong mark. The mark missed is the holy and righteous standard of God. The mark hit lies in man’s rebellion against this divine standard. This absence of righteousness leads to rebellion against the will of God, which makes us the enemy of God. The result of our sinful condition is physical death for the body and spiritual death for the soul.
The mark missed is the holy and righteous standard of God. Click To TweetScriptural Support
- No one is righteous on their own (Romans 3:10)
- All have sinned (Romans 3:23)
- There are wages for sin (Romans 6:23)
- The remedy for sin is redemption through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23; Romans 10:1-13)
There are several words in the Scripture that are used to fine-tune the general term “sin.” These include transgression (Psalms 51:1), iniquity (Psalms 32:2), error (Psalms 51:9), sin (Romans 3:23), trespass (Ephesians 2:1, 5), lawlessness (1 Timothy 1:9), disobedience (Romans 5:19), rebellion (Isaiah 1:2), ignorance (Hebrews 9:7), wickedness (Psalms 1:1), foolishness (Psalms 14:1) and unbelief (John 16:9).
Historical Perspective
Before redemption, we are sinners by nature. This corruption involves our attitudes and actions. A person may sin against themselves or others, but all sin is ultimately against God (Psalms 51:4; Romans 8:7).
Sin causes people to be lost (Matthew 18:11; Luke 15:4, 8, 24). This separation from fellowship with God will eventually lead to judgment (Luke 1:20) and will cause a person to perish (John 3:16). The only remedy is salvation in Jesus Christ.
Every area of mankind is affected by sin. The intellect is blinded (2 Corinthians 4:4). This causes the mind to be reprobate (Romans 1:28) and the understanding to be darkened (Ephesians 4:18). The emotions are defiled (Romans 1:21), and the will is enslaved (Romans 6:20). This corruption extends to every part of man’s nature and faculties. There is nothing in him that can commend him to a holy and righteous God.
In Romans 3:9-18, Paul illustrated the condemnation of all people based on their committing sins personally. The condemnation is universal and based on evil acts of both word and deed. The works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21 are a reminder of the great influence that man’s sin nature has on his life.
Practical Application
The sinfulness of man must be addressed. The consequences of failing to do so will lead to eternal damnation. The greatest news ever given was that Christ died for our redemption. The truth of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection cannot be overstated or shared enough. Salvation in Christ means that the penalty of sin is removed. Scripture also teaches that the power of sin has been broken. The sinner can only choose to sin. The saint can still choose to sin, but the better choice is to choose not to sin. Eventually, the presence of sin will be removed, and we will live in the glorious presence of God forever.
The follower of Christ should be constantly aware of the remaining influence of sin. As they grow in Christ, there should be a daily desire to seek sin less and honor God more. The believer should be thankful that if he does fail, confessing his sin(s) is a privilege granted to him by his heavenly Father. The restored fellowship allows for continued growth and maturity. We should remain acutely aware of our daily sin. The Psalmist said that he would hide the Word of God in his heart so that he might not sin against Him. This should be one of our greatest desires.
Click here to read the Introduction to the series, Why Study Theology
Click here to read part one of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Bibliology
Click here to read part two of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Theology Proper (available October 29, 2019)
Click here to read part four of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Pneumatology (available October 31, 2019)
Click here to read part five of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Angelology (available November 1, 2019)
Click here to read part six of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Ecclesiology (available November 4, 2019)
Click here to read part seven of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Anthropology (available November 5, 2019)
Click here to read part eight of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Hamartiology (available November 6, 2019)
Click here to read part nine of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Soteriology (available November 7, 2019)
Click here to read part ten of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Eschatology (available November 8, 2019)
Click here to read part eleven of Rooted: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, Dispensationalism (available November 8, 2019)
Notes
[1] Elmer L. Towns, Theology for Today, 485
[2] Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrine, 210
[3] J. Oliver Buswell, A Systematic Theology of the Christian Religion, 1962, 1:264