ALL HAVE SINNED

 

             In the lesson on the origin of sin I talked about how sin entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve.  However, it is not the sin of Adam and Eve for which God will hold us individually accountable.  The Bible clearly teaches that we shall all appear before God to give an account to Him of the thing we have done, whether good or bad (Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10).  So it is not because of Adam and Eve's sin that we will be required to stand before God.  It is for our own sins, and we have all sinned. (Romans 3:23). 

  I.   What is sin?

Man has varied definitions for sin.  Normally man's definition will vary based on the laws of the land and on societal views and standards.  However, The Bible gives several scriptures that will help in clarifying God's definition of sin.  Since God is the one to who we must give an account, it is to our advantage to understand His definition of sin and His requirements for forgiveness.  Sin is 

A.  the transgression of God's law (the Word) - I John 3:4 

B.  unbelief because it calls God a liar - I John 5:10 

C.  all unrighteousness - I John 5:17 

D.  rebellion against God - Isaiah 1:2-4, I Samuel 15:23 

E.  not seeking God - 2 Chronicles 12:14 

F.  not doing what you know to be good - James 4:17 

G.  not accepting Christ - John 17:7-9 (This sin of not accepting Christ is what condemns a man to eternal damnation.  It is not the list of wrongs we have done, but rather refusing to come to Christ and have our sinful nature changed to that of a Godlike nature). 

   In looking at God's definition of sin as recorded in His Word, we can all find ourselves.  In fact the Bible speaks to the man who would dare to say that he has not sinned.  Look at I John 1:8-10.  This person has not only deceived himself, but also in declaring himself sinless, has called God a liar.  For the man who would try to justify himself by keeping the 10 Commandments, the Bible also speaks to you.  Look at James 2:10.  The 10 Commandments were only part of the Law given to Moses (Exodus 20:1 - 23:33).  If you want to be judged according to the Law, it would behoove you to keep the Law in its entirety. 

 II.  Consequence of sin

The major and most important consequence of sin is found in Isaiah 59:1-2.  Mankind's sin has separated him from God.  A schism or gulf exists between man and God.  That schism is a result of the sinful nature of man.  Jesus in John 8:34 says, that if man commits (practices) sin, he is the servant of sin.  This same thought is given by Paul in Romans 6:16.  If one is the servant of sin then he is not a child of God (John 8:41-47, Romans 8:14-16). 

III.  Remedy for sin

Realizing the sinful state that man would find himself in, God established the plan to redeem mankind before the forming of the world (Rev. 13:8, John 1:29).  God has done His part in the sacrificial death of Jesus; man must now do his part. 

A.  God invites man to come - Isaiah 1:18, Matt. 11: 28-30 

B.  God promises forgiveness, and mercy - I John 1:9, Proverbs 28:13 

C.  God warns man of the results of not repenting - Luke 13:1-5.  To repent means to change one's mind for the better.  Not merely to forsake sin, but to change one's attitude towards it and his love for it.  Repentance is demanded by God as a condition for forgiveness and grace. 

D.  God has paid for man's sin - I Peter 3:18 

E.  God imputes righteousness to replace sin - II Cor. 5:21 

God has done His part.  It is now up to man to use his free will and choose God (Rev. 3:20).  The schism between man and God has been bridged by Jesus in His sacrificial death.  God invites man to walk across the gulf, but in order to do so you must use the bridge (Acts 4:12).