Sin - Hamartiology
- Is there a difference between sin and trespass?
- What is sin?
- Are sins forgiven at the cross?
- Is mankind condemned for sins?
- How do we gain victory over sin?
Is there a difference between sin and trespass?
I would recommend a careful study of these two words as presented in scripture. Sin is that which misses the mark. A trespass is to specifically break a directive given by God.
Sin is anything that falls short of God's holiness. I like the contrast the Dr. Charles Ryrie gives, "One may say Sin Is Selfishness." This is the most frequently heard definition of sin. It is scriptural but inadequate. Some may say sin is a violation of the Law. This too is scriptural but inadequate, unless the concept of law is expanded to include the character of God Himself. The clear definition is that sin is anything contrary to the character of God.
Are sins forgiven at the cross?
All personal sins are forgiven at the cross. The thing that stands in the way between God and man is not acts of sin, but rather the condition of man in a sinful, fallen state. Faith in the work of Christ on the cross is that which alleviates this problem.
Is mankind condemned for sins?
Man is condemned at birth because man is born a sinner in Adam. God sent His son not to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him, John 3:17. Sins are forgiven at the cross. Note that at the final judgement of the dead is two fold works and their name is not written in the lamb's book of life. Revelation 20:11 "And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one [of them] according to their deeds. 14 And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
How do we gain victory over sin?
This is explained in several passages. In short, one must submit to the Holy Spirit and He will produce holiness. One passage that is helpful in this regard is Romans 6:1-13 where Paul says we who have died to sin should no longer live in sin. He stresses that we should: 1) "Know" our death in Christ; 2) "Reckon" (i.e. count ourselves) ourselves to be dead to sin; 3) "Yield" our bodies as instruments of righteousness; 4) "Obey" the directives of God's Word. In the next chapter he stresses the power of the Holy Spirit being essential to overcome the power of sin.
One other concept mentioned both in 1 Peter 5:6-9 and in James 4:7-10 is this matter of submission to God in the midst of spiritual battle with a result of God delivering us. James 4:7 "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you." And 1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober [spirit,] be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in [your] faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world." Note that in both passages victory is one only when we submit to God with true humility.