What’s the origin and solution to sin? Sin actually began in the angelic realm. Who deceived Eve?
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV)
How was sin transferred to humanity?
“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” (Romans 5:12 NLT)
Inherited
Did Adam’s original sin create an environment in which everybody suffers and dies?
“For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:12-21 NLT)
How early does sin affect us?
“For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5 NLT)
When Christians Sin
Christians have had a life-changing repentance or “metanoia” experience in regard to sin. Do Christians still sin even though they don’t want to?
“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.” (Romans 7:15-20 NKJV)
The difference is that a Christian’s sin is covered.
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” (Romans 4:7-8 NIV)
Must we forgive others?
“Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others.” (Matthew 6:12 CEV)
Must Christians even forgive the sins of fellow Christians?
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)
Is it sinless perfection, or faith that makes us right with God?
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1 NLT)
Must we confess our sins?
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)
God’s Solution
What are the consequences for those who reject God’s offer of forgiveness of sin?
“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons… And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:41, 46 NLT)
What is the answer?
“Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable, and it isn’t by obeying the Law of Moses. God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ…” (Romans 3:21-26 CEV)
What does God do with forgiven sins?
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1 NKJV cf. Romans 4:7)
“You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.” (Psalm 85:2 NIV)
What is involved in God’s forgiveness?
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28 NIV)
Is perfect doctrine required, which no church has, or something else?
“To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43 ESV)
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7 NIV)
Does Jesus’ name have any bearing on this?
“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” (1 John 2:12 NIV)
Though we repented, turned from sinfulness to God, we still sin. As we do, we need ongoing repentance and faith in the sacrifice of Jesus. Those who refuse to repent and believe, have made a choice with terrible consequences. Repentant, we chose faith in Jesus, and God covers our sins with love and forgiveness, granting us eternal life. Which option do you choose? You decide!
