Is Sin Still A Thing?

 

Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God….

This is a much needed study; an article laying out the various teachings about sin is long overdue. A simple survey of our friends and associates would quickly confirm the fact that people have lost their sense of right and wrong. These days matters like good and bad are difficult to distinguish and definitions of morality seem to be up to the individual. Furthermore, many post-modernist see no need for a moral framework. It is tragic…but the subject of sin is hardly dealt with from a theological perspective anymore. Certainly our society does not cherish any idea of clarity regarding sin, but it seems God’s people have little appreciation for the subject also. Perhaps this is why we do not value the cross of our Lord as we should. In this study my goal is to define and express these timeless Bible teachings with forthright clarity.

Though it is often difficult in this post-modern age to tackle the subject of sin, still we really need to understand this topic. So, “What is sin? Where did it come from? Do we inherit a sinful nature from Adam? Do we inherit guilt from Adam?” Grudem gives the following definition for sin, “Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.”  Clearly sin includes acts of adultery, stealing, and lying. It also includes sinful attitudes like anger (Matt. 5:22) and lust (Matt. 5:28). Then sin involves the very nature of humanity—we are sinners according to God’s Word (Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:3). Some have erroneously concluded that sin is merely selfishness, but this is misleading because not all self-interests are wrong. It is better to define sin in terms of God’s Law and moral character (1Jn. 3:4; Rom. 2:15, 17-29).

To the question where did sin come from? It is vitally important to first affirm that God is in no way responsible for sin—He cannot be blamed for sin. He always does what is just and right (Deut. 32:4; Gen. 18:25; Job. 34:10). It is also correct to say that God permitted the entrance of sin through the voluntary choices of moral creatures. Was the origin of sin something “ordained” by God? Again I have great difficulty embracing this idea of God ordaining sin to come about. Again a better way of understanding this is that a sovereign God permitted sin (Gen. 50:20). As a holy God he cannot produce or promote sin (Hab. 1:13). He is absolutely perfect (Deut. 32:4; 2Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30). But it is true that God can produce greater good by allowing sin in the universe (Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). This fact alone demonstrates that sin is not His equal and refutes any idea of dualism. This is perhaps why He continues to tolerate sin in the universe.   

Before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin had already invaded the angelic realm with the result of the fall of Satan and a third of the angelic host (Gen. 3:1-19). Satan introduced sin to the human race through the temptation in the Garden. In the fall of man sin struck at the basis for knowledge by questioning God’s Word (Gen. 3:4). Then sin struck at the very foundation of moral standards (Gen. 2:17). In addition, sin also loosed human identity from its God-provided moorings (Gen. 3:5). Lastly, sin proved to be completely irrational; it never makes sense to rebel against our Creator-God (Prov. 10:23; 12:15; 14:7).

We should also explore two realities regarding the doctrine of inherited sin. In these two observations we discover how Adam’s sin affected the rest of humanity. First is inherited guilt: we are counted guilty because of Adam’s sin. This truth is relayed to us in Romans 5:12-21. Even though there was no Law from Adam’s time to Moses’, people were still guilty of sin because they died. Physical, spiritual and eternal death are direct consequences of sin. By Adam’s disobedience we all were made sinners.

Some reject this idea believing it to be unfair. There are three things; however, that should always be remembered in this connection. First everyone has voluntarily committed many actual sins themselves and are indeed guilty (Rom. 2:6; Col. 3:25). Secondly, if we were in Adam’s place, we would have sinned also and our subsequent behavior demonstrates this. Then thirdly, if we think it is unfair to be represented by Adam in the Fall, then it is equally unfair to be represented by Christ in justification and righteousness (Rom. 5:19).

The second reality related to the doctrine of inherited sin is inherited corruption: we have a sinful nature because of Adam’s sin. The concept is freely expressed in numerous passages of the Bible (Ps. 51:1-5; Eph. 2:3).  A result of Adam’s sin is a disposition and a propensity to sin in him and all his descendants. Two particulars in this connection should be kept in mind. First, in our natures we totally lack good before God. Every part of our being is affected by sin—our intellect, emotions, desires, heart, goals, motives, and physical bodies (Titus 1:15; Rom. 7:18; Jer. 17:9).  Secondly, in our actions we are totally unable to do spiritual good before God. We lack the ability to do anything that will in itself be pleasing to God (Rom. 8:8). Without Jesus Christ we can do absolutely nothing to be fruitful (Jn. 15:5; Heb. 11:6). It is not that we cannot do things that are good and pleasing in the eyes of people. Certainly we all can, but people are not God.

At this juncture it is vital that we turn our attention to actual sins in our lives. There are about six areas where this is important to explore. First all people are sinful before God (Ps. 14:3; 143:2; 1Kings 8:46).  Secondly, we are responsible before God for each of our sins. Not according to our ability, but the absolute perfection of God’s moral law and His own holy character (Matt. 5:48). Thirdly, infants are guilty before they commit an act of sin because sin is welded to their nature. However, God in mercy and grace keeps them safe from wrath until they can exercise faith in Him (Ps. 51:5; 58:3; 1Sam 12:23). Fourthly, is the issue of degrees of sin. With regard to legal guilt before God, one single sin is worthy of eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire (Gen. 2:17; Gal. 3:10; James 2:10-11). With regards to the results in life and our relationship with God there are varying degrees of sin.  The consequences of some actions are weightier than others. The Bible even speaks of greater sins (John 19:11; Ezek. 8:6, 13, 15; Matt. 5:19; 23:23; Lev. 4:2, 13, 22; 5:17; James 3:1; Luke 12:48).

Now entertain the question “What happens when a Christian sins?” the answer is that our legal standing before God remains unchanged (Rom. 6:23; 8:1; 1Cor. 15:3; 1Jn. 1:8; 3:2).  It is true that our fellowship with God is disrupted and our Christian life is damaged (Eph. 4:30; Heb. 12:6, 9, 10; Prov. 3:11-12; Rev. 3:19). When we bring God displeasure because of our non-compliance with His will He will correct and chasten us because He loves us and desires that we share in His holiness.

Finally, it must be observed that God will deal with and punish sin. Those who refuse God and die in their sin can expect to be dealt with in severe wrath. This is not merely a deterrent to sinning, but the realization of the primary reason God punishes sin. His righteous nature demands punishment! God is righteous and just (Jer. 9:24), and Christ is the propitiation for all sin (Rom. 3:25). This means that the Lord Jesus was the Sacrifice that bore the wrath of God against sin and thereby turned God’s wrath away that He might deal with humanity in grace (Rom. 3:25, 26). However, if an individual refused that grace, God will confront them in the full force of His righteous wrath and eternal condemnation.

I realize that many people feel they are 'good people,' but the problem with that is we cannot do only good. We do not even live up to our own expectations on a daily basis. Can we manipulate ourselves into believing we have lived up to the PERFECT requirements of a holy God? We have a sin nature that is anti-God. It is not so much the individual sins that we commit, (though these are awful!) but the fact that we have a sinful orientation that drives us to indulge in the wrongs that so violently offend a holy God! 

In short we cannot embrace an eternal relationship with a righteous and perfect God in our natural fallen and sinful condition because our sin mars everything about us. Unless God undertakes to change us, we are condemned forever to the Lake of Fire without any other recourse or hope for all eternity. This is why the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ is so vital to our spiritual welfare. Again, the Lord Jesus insisted that we must be born again.

How may we experience the spiritual birth? The answer is by consciously opting to place our faith/trust in Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection as the full payment for our sins. We acknowledge that God indicated His acceptance of Christ’s redemptive work by raising Him from the dead. Therefore, we accept what God accepts as the fair and complete payment for our sins.

We must believe on Christ Jesus with a heart of repentance! This is exactly what Paul outlines in Romans 10:9-10, writing, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We cannot simply believe anything about Jesus, we must believe that the Son of God, died for our sins, was buried, and God raise Him up again the third day for our justification before the Father. It is crucial that we understand that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of God that saves us (Rom. 1:14-17).

Christ’s suffering at Calvary was God providing payment for our sins. This is what Calvary was about—justice was served and sin was paid for in full. Now sinners can be saved—born again to enter a relationship with God. It is the Spirit who regenerates us and gives us new life when we trust Christ. We cannot save ourselves no matter how good, sincere, or diligent we are. Being born again means we become a part of a new family, God is our Father who shares with us His very own divine nature. All of this is realized the moment we humble ourselves before God acknowledging our sins while trusting Christ and His payment for them. We must accept this payment personally. Beloved, we must exercise faith in the Person and Work of Christ to experience the spiritual birth. What about you? Have you been born again?

The Danger of Stagnation

God calls His people to diligently progress in spiritual growth to full maturity—“Let us go on unto perfection” (Heb. 6:1). William Newell (Hebrews Verse by Verse) describes perfection as “the process of the Holy Spirit within the believer will conform him to the image of Christ in faith, holiness, love, and knowledge….” God desires for Christians to develop their spiritual senses with the Word, discern good and evil, and become fully assured of their heavenly hope in Christ.  God will grow believers, but they must cooperate with His divine purposes. To do so will require diligent exercise of faith and a tenacious persistence, but the result is inheriting the promises of God (6:12-20).  

The writer of Hebrews has explored the most encouraging ministry of the Christian’s Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus (Heb. 4:14-16).  His service to the believer is certainly enough to promote continuous spiritual progress (5:9, 10). But there is the possibility that some believers will not advance in their faith (5:11-14), and some may even draw back from the full commitment of continuing with Christ (6:4-8). The purpose of this writing is to explore this very real possibility.  

THE CONDITION OF SPIRITUAL STAGNATION

Progression in the faith is God’s desire for each believer, but stagnation is when the Christian’s life plateaus far short of maturity. Hebrews 5:11-6:12 addresses this important issue of spiritual stagnation, sluggish Christian growth, and even apostasy.  Instead of diligently pursuing full and fruitful adulthood in Christ (6:10-12) some were slothful and lazy regarding the life of faith. As a result, these plateaued believers were grossly immature.

Hebrews 5:11-13, insightfully shows their level of juvenility. Accordingly spiritual childishness is an inability to listen to the Word and apply it to life (5:11). There is also little or no ability to instruct from the Word and share it with others (5:12a). Immaturity is also marked by an inability to appreciate any teachings beyond the foundational truths (5:12b-13).  Finally, juvenility results in an inability to use the Word of righteousness for decision making (5:13). Obviously a condition of stagnation is sheer spiritual bankruptcy.

STAGNATION CAN RESULT IN APOSTASY

What can be expected for not progressing to Christian adulthood? Hebrews 6:4-6 holds the answers to what a lazy approach to spiritual matters will produce. This passage confronted the condition of spiritual stagnation, but it remains one of the most difficult passages in the Bible to interpret. Never-the-less it shows that a person who is spiritually stagnant can expect several negative developments. Backsliding, little or no zeal for Christ, vulnerability to error, shaming the Name of Christ, feelings of insecurity, vast theological confusion, and very little spiritual fruit are just some of the plagues of spiritual irresponsibility.

Because they fail to recognize the priesthood and intercessory ministry of Jesus Christ, they likely are frustrated with Him and blame Him for some perceived inadequacy in Christianity.  They suffer from an unjustified diminishing confidence in Christ. It is no stretch of the imagination to say that some may have become frustrated with Christ and the faith life. The persecutions they endured dishearten some and a few others were embittered by the chastening of the Lord. Thus their form of stagnation was heavily seasoned with the pains of confessing Christ in a hostile climate. Of course these developments only exacerbated the problem.

The first need here is to define the problem of apostasy—“fall away” (Heb. 6:4, 6). The writer would like to address the subject of Jesus the High Priest of the order of Melchisedec (6:20). However, he is unable to do so because of the mental and spiritual dullness of these infantile believers. In addition some had fallen away and there was the possibility that others may follow. To “fall away” (v. 6) means to commit apostasy in some degree. Newell said, “The inner meaning of the word translated “fallen away” in Hebrews 6:6 is that of a secret departure from God.” He continued by adding, “it is not a falling into sin that is meant, but a falling away from God, from Christ, from salvation, a renouncing of truth.”

In the strictest sense apostasy is a rejection or repudiation of a previously held belief or confidence in the Christian Faith. Apostasy in the broader sense encompasses various degrees of departures from faith ranging from instances of ‘unbelief’ (Heb. 3:12, 13) all the way down to ‘reprobation’ (2Tim. 3:6-8). It could include a refusal to trust the Lord for a specific matter as well as full rejection of Christianity and actively trying to dismantle it. The spectrum would include both grossly backslidden and theologically confused believers who cast off their confidence in Christ. Obviously full apostasy and reprobation refers to unbelievers. Apostasy does not result in the loss of eternal life; salvation is based on faith and trust in Christ’s work (Heb. 5:9; 7:24-28; 9:12; 10:14; See also Heb. 6:13–20; see also John 5:24; 10:26–30; Rom. 8:28–39). But, defection from the Faith, apostasy, and the withdrawal of one’s Christian profession (Heb. 3:6, 14; 10:23-25, 35-39) is the issue at hand.

The assertion that such a failure is not possible for a real believer is an unbiblical dogmatic idea designed to accommodate a theological system. It is born of theological tidiness and convenience, not the truth. Walvoord and Zuck (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) observed that Paul spoke of a certain Hymenaeus and Philetus who claimed that the resurrection has already taken place, and in doing so they destroyed the faith of some genuine believers (2 Tim. 2:17-18). Paul was being a solid realist who took assaults against the faith very seriously. Some of these Jewish believers were on the verge of giving up their confidence in Christ and the NT teachings about Him. Thus the writer was constantly challenging them to commit to Christ, keep the faith, and continue to walk with Christ confidently (Heb. 3:6, 14; 4:14; 6:9; 10:35; 13:9; Jn. 8:31; Acts 13:43; 14:22).

Secondly the weight of an act of apostasy must be discerned along with the meaning of two key phrases in this warning passage. It is “impossible” for the enlightened to be renewed unto “repentance” while they are still disregarding Christ’s finished work and present ministry as High Priest (6:4, 6). Verses four through six must describe true believers. To “renew them again unto repentance” (v. 6:6) refers to a fresh commitment to Christ and the Christian Faith. This is not another salvation experience, but a full rededication of oneself to Christ. Restoration is possible if they repent, but it remains impossible as long as they doubt the value of Calvary and the intercession of Christ as High Priest.

There may have been mere professing Christians who had decided to reject Christ and Christianity fully. In any congregation of any substantial sizes there is the possibility of unsaved individuals lurking in the ranks. These may have been encouraging others to do the same; this is apostasy in its fullest sense (Heb. 3:12).  Pressing on to spiritual maturity; however, requires living by faith in Christ the great High Priest who is with the Father in Heaven, and not turning back to the ABCs of faith (6:1-3).

THE IMPACT OF APOSTASY

This is serious because such sinful actions actually denounce Christ. These people “crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh” (Heb. 6:6). They are constantly putting Christ “to an open shame.”  They brought shame to the name of Christ every time they worshipped through the temple system after having made a profession of faith in Christ.  Temple worship was very visible, public, and open, therefore any participation in this worship form was openly discrediting and denouncing Christianity.

This relates ominously to modern Christians who turn to the gurus or celebrity figures for answers to help with life’s challenges, but seldom considers Christ.  Believers will look to sociologists, psychologists, Hollywood figures, talk show hosts, horoscopes, the politically elite, the government, and the hyper educated for resources and answers. The same could be said for believers who place their confidence in a church, denomination, or religious distinction while they blatantly ignore Christ. The difficulty here is these same Christians seldom look to the all sufficient Christ and a life of faith.  They shame Christ when they ignore Him while becoming enamored with human idols and by actually taking godless counsel from mere people. If they have a great High Priest making intercession for them in the very presence of God, if they have available to them grace and mercy to help in time of need, then why act as though they do not!

The Scriptures regularly warns against the possibility of apostasy as an actual and genuine danger. Logically, only real believers can apostatize, unbelievers cannot. These warnings are for genuine Christians today who are in the same danger of falling away from an open and healthy profession of Christ as Savior, Lord, and High Priest. In many respects it is not full scale apostasy that most will commit.  Instead it is a more insidious form where believers incrementally and increasingly stop professing Christ in more and more areas of their experiences. Eventually there is little or no obvious claim Christ has on their lives. Perhaps for social or professional expediency they do this. Maybe some deny Christ for reasons along the lines of political correctness. No doubt, some disassociate themselves from Christ in order to accommodate a highly secularized culture. Others are very quiet about faith in Christ because they embrace the modern social values of ‘tolerance’ and pluralism.  Others are simply ashamed of Christ and faith in Him. Some have been all but commanded to never mention their faith in Christ especially stifling any evangelistic zeal. So to avoid professional repercussions they comply. Such ‘Christians’ have been effectively neutralized by their lack of progress, confession, commitment, courage, and faith. Stagnation and apostasy are extremely serious matters in this light.

If a person is diligent and persistent about growth in Christlikeness then these qualities will advance them a great distance down the highway of fulfilling God’s will. However, if they are lazy and slow to learn then this would debilitate much of their potential. It is far better to heed the writer of Hebrews, “Let us go on unto perfection” (Heb. 6:1).