Systematic Theology II The Doctrine of Sin The Definition of Sin and The Origin and Nature of Sin

The Definition of Sin The Definition The Delineation “…sin is lack of conformity to the moral law of God, either in act, disposition, or state” (A. H. Strong, as cited in McCune, p. 45). The Delineation The Moral Law of God – “The law of God, then, is simply an expression of the nature of God in the form of moral requirement, and a necessary expression of that nature in view of the existence of moral [rational] beings” (Ibid, p. 45). Put another way, God’s law is an expression of His holy nature, a fundamental and governing attribute that in turn requires conformity to that law for those made in His image. While many references in Scripture refer to the Mosaic Law code, this is a partial expression of the broader, moral law of God.

The Moral Law of God McCune spells out eight lines along which this law is helpfully explained (pp. 46-47): God’s moral law is not arbitrary, nor the mere product of His sovereign will. It is a necessary expression of His nature. God’s moral law is not temporary nor designed to meet a temporary exigency. God’s moral law is as eternal as He is. God’s moral law is unchangeable since God is unchangeable. Expressions of His moral law may change, but the law itself does not change. God’s moral law is not merely negative or prohibitive. It requires positive obedience. God’s moral law is addressed to the entire human personality, including thoughts, motives, and acts. God’s moral law is published not externally but internally, i.e., written on the hearts of men. God’s moral law’s jurisdiction is not limited by human consciousness. It exists and operates whether it is recognized or not. Ignorance is no excuse for disobedience. Yet, while all men are responsible to God, there are differences in liability according to light received (Luke 12:47-48). God’s moral law’s jurisdiction is not predicated upon human ability. Simply because one ought to comply with the moral law does not mean one can. Like God’s physical laws that govern nature, they operate whether they are recognized or not.

Excursus 1: Lack of Conformity Sin or lack of conformity to God’s moral law is something only predicated of rational, personal agents who have intelligence, self-consciousness, and the power to make choices. Lack of conformity with God’s law is not restricted to actions; it can include a state in which one exists. The snake was implicated in the fall and suffered consequences, but was not guilty in the same way that Adam and Eve were. Inanimate tabernacle objects tainted by sin were destroyed, but not guilty of sin.

Excursus 2: Biblical Proof that Sin is a Disposition, Not Simply an Act The words translated sin and their synonyms are predicated of acts and dispositions (e.g., Psa 32:1; 51:2, 5; Rom 7:16, 17). Sin, especially in the NT, more often describes dispositions than acts (1 John 3:4; 5:17; Rom 14:23; James 4:17). Evil and sin are routinely traced to the inner man (Exod 20:17; Jer 17:9; Matt 5:27, 28; 15:19, 20) Sin is depicted in Scripture as existing unconsciously, only to be discovered when aroused by the law (Rom 7:8, 9). Sin, when described as a reigning principle in man, clearly implies that not only acts are sinful (Rom 5:21; Rom 6:12). Arminians believe that sin only consists of conscious acts of disobedience.

The Origin of Sin In the Universe: Satan In the Human race: Adam We know that Satan fell between Gen 2 and 3, so his fall preceded that of Adam and Eve. Sin’s origination in the universe is therefore bound up with Satan’s fall (1 John 3:8). In the Human race: Adam It was through one man that sin entered into the world, but when it entered, it brought consequences to all (Rom 5:12, 15). In the Individual: The Heart Acts of sin proceed from a sinful heart (Mark 7:21-23).

The Nature of Sin The Biblical Terms for Sin Millard Erickson divides them into three categories: the causes of sin (e.g., ignorance, error, and inattention); the character of sin (e.g., missing the mark, iniquity, rebellion, treachery, perversion, transgression, abomination); the results of sin (e.g., guilt, evil, agitation, trouble) See McCune, pp. 55-56 for further detail.

The Nature of Sin The Fundamental Nature of Sin Theories Sensousness – sin is the result of the soul’s connection with a physical organism. Dominates in Gnosticism and Platonism. Leads to asceticism (denying the body) and libertinism (indulging the body) Finiteness – sin is a necessary result of man’s limitations. It sees sin as good in that it causes man to self-improve. Privation – Sin is negation. If being is good, sin is non-being. Antagonism (aka the law of necessary opposition) – sin is the necessary condition for the existence of virtue. Or, morality is not fully known without immorality. Pride – Sin is self-esteem carried to inordinate extremes. Is there a better, biblical theory?

The Biblical View: Selfishness Scripture presents sin as selfishness, “that choice of self as the supreme end which constitutes the antithesis of supreme love to God” (Strong, as cited in McCune, p. 57). This is demonstrated by two theological conclusions: Love for God, particularly for Him as holy, is the intrinsic nature of all virtue (Deut 6:4-5; 10:12; Matt 22:36-37). Selfishness is the root cause of all other expressions of sin. “Sensuality, pride, vanity and all of the biblical terms for sin are motivated by selfishness” (McCune, p. 57; see Luke 12:21; 2 Thess 2:3,4; 2 Cor 5:14-15)

The Extent of Sin in the Human Race and The Imputation of Adam’s Sin Next Week: The Extent of Sin in the Human Race and The Imputation of Adam’s Sin