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?

God Created the Human Race

 

Genesis 1:26-28

Have you thought much about the singular human race lately? With all the talk about race these days you would think there are multiple races. While there are many ethnic groups, there is really only one race—the human race. God only created one! In Genesis 1 and 2, the focus is on how the universe and human beings came into existence and why God created humanity in the first place. In addition Moses also explores how people can conduct themselves and please God with their lives. In this light, let us entertain three questions, why did God create us? How did God make us like himself? How can we please him in everyday living?

Consider what Moses wrote in Genesis 1:26-28,

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. ²⁷ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. ²⁸ And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.^[1]

In order to answer these questions, we may begin by exploring the use of the word “Man” to refer to the human race. Certainly it refers to the male individual, but it is also used as a broader all-encompassing idea—humanity (Gen. 1:26). It is appropriate to refer to the human race in this manner because the Scriptures do so. With this precedence the term man will represent humanity both male and female. There is no intent to offend the female reader, but simply a desire to be consistent with the biblical usage of the term (Genesis 5:1-2; 1:27). It should also be noted that God did directly create man—he did NOT evolve as some have theorized.

Then let us explore the reason mankind was created. The first thing to understand is that God did not need to create man. God was fulfilled relationally within the fellowship of the Trinity. This was true of God from all eternity (John 17:5, 24). God was and always has been free of any need or unmet desire. Still it is equally true that God created mankind for His glory. This truth is mention several times over in Scripture and communicated in several ways (Isa. 43:7; Eph. 1:11-12; 1Cor. 10:31).  This reality guarantees and gives significance to every human life regardless of ethnicity. All human beings share this all essential purpose and meaning for life. It directly indicates that we are important to God himself; this is the most significant purpose for human life. Again glorifying God is the purpose of human life and by extension the varied ethnic diversity that we have. This truth is rehearsed in a number of the Psalms where the pleasure of man is found in the fellowship and presence of the Lord (Ps. 16:11; 27:4; 73:25, 26; 84:1, 2, 10). When believers realize and explore the purpose of God for their very existence, they will experience an intensity of joy. Giving glory to God is the most right thing any human being can engage in doing. He is worthy of all glory (Rev. 4:11). When people seize glory for themselves it must clearly be considered wrong because people are not worthy of this honor. However, it is entirely right for God to seek his own glory. He is the only one that is worthy.  Each person should invest their entire strength to render glory to him (Mark 12:30).

Not only should we understand how the term “man” is used in Scripture and why man was created, but we can also understand what it means to bear the image of God. The image of God (Gen. 1:26) can be defined as the fact that “man is like God and represents God” (Grudem, 1994, p. 442). Walvoord and Zuck of Dallas Theological Seminary, observed in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 

Human life was created in (lit., “as,” meaning “in essence as”) the image of God (v. 27). This image was imparted only to humans (2:7). “Image” (ṣelem) is used figuratively here, for God does not have a human form. Being in God’s image means that humans share, though imperfectly and finitely, in God’s nature, that is, in His communicable attributes (life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, justice), and so have the capacity for spiritual fellowship with Him.

God’s purpose in creating human life in His image was functional: man is to rule or have dominion (Gen. 1:26, 28). God’s dominion was presented by a “representative.” Egyptian kings later, in idolatry, did a similar kind of thing: they represented their rule or dominion by making representative statues of themselves. However, because of sin all things are not under man’s dominion (Heb. 2:8). But Jesus Christ will establish dominion over all the earth (Heb. 2:5-8) at His second coming.

So the image of God involves humanity’s, intellect, emotions, volition, and morality. In the fall of man, the image of God was marred and distorted, but not lost. Even though man is sinful, governed by selfishness, and does not constantly glorify God, he still bears something of God’s image. Salvation is redemption in Jesus Christ is actually an effort to progressively recover God’s image in each believer. This is taught in Colossians 3:10, which says, we are “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Then 2Corintians 3:18, says, “with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord.” And Romans 8:29, spells out clearly what the goal of redemption is, “to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren.” In fact at Christ’s return, the image of God in the believer will be completely restored “we shall also bear the image of the heavenly” (1Cor. 15:49). In the Lord Jesus we see human likeness to God as it was originally was intended to be (Col. 1:15; Rom. 8:29; 1Jn. 3:2).

Furthermore, our great dignity as bearers of God’s image gives us a profound sense of dignity and significance that transcends that of the sun, moon, and stars. We are more like our Creator God than anything in the entire universe including angels. Every human life then should be treated with the dignity and respect no matter how lowly there station in this world. This must be observed especially with the elderly, unborn, mentally retarded, and seriously ill. All of these deserve the full protection of the law and the honor of all human beings. Humans are not animals, but far higher creatures as bearers of the image of an infinite God.

Finally, regarding race and ethnicity, such distinctions should not be over emphasized or underscored. The idea of multiple races is actually rooted in human pride as one ethnic group seeks glory for its members. All the chatter these days about racial distinctions ignore the fundamental fact that God created only one singular race, the human race, with great ethnic diversity. We all descended from Adam and even more specifically, from Noah. Beloved, God created for His glory and not ours nor for any ethnic group. It would be great if we all stop spouting off ill-informed statements like “Black Pride,” and “White Supremacy.” What would be even better is to stop weaponizing race during election cycles to manipulate people to vote a certain way. The unfortunate reality is politicians gain power or remain in power by such abuses; if racial problems cease to be an issue then the race baiters and profiteers will lose their income source and purpose. So, they continue to promote hate, pride, resentment, jealousy, division, and conflict to ensure their relevance for years to come. These people clearly are not interested in real solutions! They view people as victims who need them to rescue them from society at large. These intellectual elites do not care about your needs nor your pain; you are an object to be exploited to their personal advantage. This may be hard for some to read without being frustrated. I have no desire to frustrate you; and yes, sometimes the truth is very uncomfortable. I personally have chosen to live for God’s glory as a member of the human race; my first devotion is to Him and not the ethnic group I belong to. Though that may seem a little strange to some folks, a Christian seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is where my deepest loyalties lie...with an eternal people, an eternal kingdom, and a forever King. I invite you to join me in this righteous purpose which has eternal significance.   

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^[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ge 1:26–28). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

 

Why the Law?

 

Galatians 3:19-22

SUBJECT: GRACE AND LAW

THEME: regarding salvation by grace through faith, the Law’s primary purpose is to assist and complement the Gospel of grace in God’s plan of redemption for all people. 

INTRODUCTION: Paul reveals critical insight into the ways and purposes of Almighty God. He shows how the Law does not contradict the grace and promises of God, but rather that it complements and cooperates with the principles of Grace to fulfil the purposes of God.

While Law and grace seem to be contrary to one another, it is vital we look carefully to the Scriptures, where we will discover that they actually complement one another.

LESSON: Why, Then, Was the Law Given?

THE LAW WAS NOT GIVEN TO PROVIDE SPIRITUAL LIFE (v.21).

Galatians 3:21, Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.  (See also Gal. 2:21; Rom. 3:20– the law brings death-{Gal. 2:19; Rom. 9:31-32})

   1.  It Could Only Regulated Sinful Lives.

Certainly the Law of Moses regulated the lives of the Jewish people, but it did not and could not provide spiritual life to the people. (Gal. 3:21 should be matched with 2:21.) If life and righteousness could have come through the Law, then Jesus Christ would never have died on the cross.

Galatians 2:21, I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 5:4, Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Romans 11:5-6, Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. ⁶ And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

   2.  It Could Not Give Righteousness and Life.

But Jesus did die; therefore, the Law could never give the sinner life and righteousness.  It was “worship of the Law” and misunderstanding its purpose that led Israel into a self-righteous religion of works, the result of which was the rejection of Christ (Rom. 9:30-10:13).

THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO REVEAL THE NATURE OF SIN (vv. 19a, 22).

It is here that we see the way that Law and Grace cooperate in bringing the lost sinner to Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:19, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

Galatians 3:22, But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

    1.  Law Shows the Sinner His Guilt, and Grace Shows Him the Forgiveness He Can Have in Christ. The Law is "holy, and just, and good" (Rom. 7:12), but we are unholy, unjust, and bad. The Law does not make us sinners; it reveals to us that we already are sinners (see Rom. 3:20). The Law is a mirror that helps us see our dirt and filth (James 1: 22-25)-but we do not wash our face with the mirror! It is grace that provides the cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ (see 1 John 1:7b).

Whether through the written law of Scripture or the inward law of conscience, until a person acknowledges his basic sinfulness and inability to perfectly fulfill the demands of God’s law, he will not come repentantly to seek salvation. Until he despairs of himself and his own sinfulness, he will not come in humble faith to be filled with Christ’s righteousness. A person who says he wants salvation but refuses to recognize and repent of his sin deceives himself. Salvation is deliverance from sin, and a person cannot: want to keep his sin and at the same time want to be free from it. He cannot truly want the new Christ-life of righteousness without renouncing the old self-life of sin. (See James 4:7–10 for a clear delineation of the proper elements of saving faith.)

    2.  There Is a Lawful Use of the Law, and There Is an Unlawful Use (1 Tim. 1:8-11).

       A.  The Lawful Use Is to Reveal Sin and Cause Men to See Their Need of the Savior. There is an appropriate and biblical usage of the OT Law for today. Not only are its principles a moral compass, but it is an extraordinary tool for evangelism. The Lord Jesus used it this way and so did the apostles. You see the Law helps the sinner see he is a sinner by an absolute and objective standard of righteousness. Once the Law has done its work to reveal our guilt before a holy God, the Gospel and the Law together point the sinner to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation. But, Christians observing the Law as OT Law is not required; we are not Jews/Israel or a government entity. We cannot enforce the associated penalties of such a Law; this simply is not New Testament Faith. Without official enforcement it is not actually Law. The spirit of the Law reveals our sinfulness and God’s righteous character, and points us to Jesus Christ as the only solution.

       B.  The Unlawful Use Is to Try to Achieve Salvation by the Keeping of the Law. When people claim they are saved by "keeping the Ten Commandments," they are revealing their ignorance of the true meaning of the Law. The Law “Scripture” concludes "all [men] under sin" (Gal. 3:22), Jews and Gentiles alike. But since all are under sin, then all may be saved by grace! God does not have two ways of salvation; He has but one---faith in Jesus Christ. 

In light of Paul’s convincing argument up to this point, the obvious question would be, ‘Why the Law then?’  If salvation has always been by faith and never by works, and if the covenant of promise to Abraham was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, what purpose did “the Law” have?  (Gal. 3:19)

Paul’s answer is direct and sobering: “It was added because of transgressions” (stepping over the boundary). The Law was intended to reveal sin in its true character as transgression. The purpose of the Law was to demonstrate to man his total sinfulness, his inability to please God by his own works, and his need for mercy and grace. Certainly, sin existed before the Law was given but man did not recognize sin as going beyond God’s boundaries until God stated the boundaries. Transgression is the violation of a known law.  “The Law … was added” to show the depth of man’s “transgressions” against God. It was given to drive him to desperate guilt and the awareness of his need for the Deliverer, Jesus Christ. The law demonstrated the unworthiness of any man to receive free and unconditional salvation and blessing. If man is to be blessed, it must be by the grace of God. If a person is to be saved, it must be by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

CONCLUSION:

Some try to come to Jesus without first meeting Moses. They want to skip the Old Testament, to inherit the promise of justification in Christ without the prior pain of condemnation by the law. We need the law to lift off the lid of our respectability and disclose what we are really like underneath—sinful, rebellious, guilty, under the judgment of God and helpless to save ourselves. Not until the law has humbled us even to Hell will we turn to the gospel to raise us to Heaven.

There are some, however, who go to Moses and the law to be condemned and stay in this unhappy bondage. They are still living in the Old Testament. They are marked by labor and are heavy laden! Their religion is a grievous yoke, hard to be borne. They have never come to Christ to be set free.

Our faith is a logical faith and can be defended on rational grounds. While there are divine mysteries in the faith that no man can fully explain, there are also divine reasons that any sincere person can understand. The purpose of the Law of God is among them.