SINS ORIGIN AND NATURE

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.

ADAM AND EVE

The apostle Paul when writing 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.

(2 Corinthians 11:3) 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.

(1 Timothy 2:13-14) 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.

(Genesis 3:6) 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.

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

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.

THE HUMAN HEART

The scriptures are consistent in teaching that man, at this present time, 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 mans heart.

The prophet Jeremiah diagnosed the heart of man in this way:

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

Jesus Christ made this statement:

(Mark 7:20-23) 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."

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

(Romans 7:18-24) 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?

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:

(Luke 5:31-32) 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."

(John 8:34-36) 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.

THE UNIVERSAL NATURE 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:

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

(Romans 3:9-10) ...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;

(1 John 1:8-10) 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.

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:

(James 2:10-11) 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.

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 scripture again proves to be true:

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