SIN
Throughout history, societies have consistently acknowledged man’s natural sinfulness. However, western culture has become increasingly antagonistic to the reality of sin, especially as it is defined biblically. The current culture views man as naturally good, and as our society has shifted toward moral relativism, right and wrong, good and evil are not defined in absolute terms; individuals and societies, not God, are seen as having the authority to determine what is wrong and have no interest in what Scripture has to say.[1]
DEFINITION OF SIN
Any accurate definition of sin would be lengthy because of all its related aspects. Above all, we must remember how terrible sin is in the sight of a holy God and is so damaging that only the death of God’s Son can take it away. The chief characteristic of sin is that it is directed against God. Sin is missing the mark, badness, rebellion, iniquity, going astray, wickedness, wandering, ungodliness, crime, lawlessness, transgression, ignorance, and falling away. Sin caused man to assume the role of God and to assert autonomy for himself apart from [the will of] God. The falls of Satan and Adam and Eve are examples of acting autonomously and disobediently seeking to be like God.[2]
Things to remember about sin:
- There is always a clear standard against which sin is committed
- All sin is a rebellion against God and a transgression of His standards
- Evil assumes a variety of forms
- Man’s responsibility is definite and clearly understood
When man exchanged the worship of God for the worship of creatures, the peace and wholeness that only come from worshiping the true God is forfeited. By rejecting the creator, the unbelieving heart seeks to satisfy itself with that which cannot bring lasting joy or true fulfilment.[3]