clss05

Christian Life Study Series Lesson 05
This study series focuses on some of the great elemental teachings found in the Bible. Each teaching is simplified and organized into an interesting and easy to understand Bible study. These studies are presented to help fill a need in your life and to provide an incentive to know more of God's Word.

SIN

©David Kralik Ministries, Inc. 2003
email: matthewfivesix@hotmail.com

While the doctrine of sin is not an every day topic of discussion in our modern time, the practice of sin seems to be something that is much more acceptable than ever. In consideration of the topic of sin, in the light of what the Bible has to say about it, we are faced with two startling facts.

The first fact is that man makes so little of sin. In fact, to most, sin is just an illusion, or some kind of religious mirage, invented by a bunch of religious fanatics. Modern man denies it, jokes about it, and laughs about it. There are those who recognize sin for what it is and choose to remain in it without any regard for the penalty of sin.

The second fact is that God makes a great deal of sin. Look at the following verses of Scripture as an introduction to the topic of sin.

Read Ezekiel 18:20
According to Ezekiel 18:20, who is held responsible for sin?

Read Romans 6:23
According to Romans 6:23, what are the wages that sin earns for us?

Read Proverbs 6:16-19 and Psalm 5:5
What conclusion do you draw concerning God’s attitude toward sin?

Sin is an evil force. It’s important for us to we realize that the presence of sin can never be escaped in this life. Though we can never escape the presence of sin, we can overcome sin by the power of God. Our victory over sin is an ongoing process. As we grow in grace we must guard ourselves against the attacks and wiles of our enemy who seeks to take advantage of us.

Understanding the terrible nature of sin helps us to even more appreciate the grace of God that is provided for us in Christ.

I. The Origin Of Sin
(Read Jude 1:6)

Where did sin come from? The origin of sin is somewhat of a mystery but we can find it first manifested in heart of Satan.
(Read Ezekiel 28:11-19)

Though he was created a perfect angelic being, Satan fell from perfection when he exerted his will above the will of God. Satan said “I will” five times in Isaiah 14:12-17. (Turn to this reference and read it.)

Satan desired his own will over the will of God. This is sin.

It is believed that Satan, when he was first created, was the ruler of this earth. (Read Genesis 1:1) When Satan rebelled and fell from grace through his own self-will, and at his fall the earth became formless and void. (Read Genesis 1:2)

The prophet Isaiah tells us that it was not in vain that God created the earth. (Read Isaiah 45:18)

God did not first create a state of massive chaos. The earth was perfect in its creation. But something happened that caused such a great catastrophe making the earth become a void and formless place. It is believed that some of the angels, along with Satan, sinned by leaving their first estate – meaning they stepped out of the boundaries assigned to them and assumed roles that were not theirs to assume. This does not prove that Satan is the originator of sin but it does reveal that sin was in the heart of Satan before God created man.

II. What Is Sin?
(Read 1 John 3:4)

It is foolish to try to deny the existence of sin when the entire world is locked in seething conflict between good and evil. If sin were not a reality there would be no crime and there would be no need for law enforcement agencies, jails, and prisons. If sin were not a fact to be dealt with there would be no need for locks on our doors, or for safes for our valuables. The “ifs” are innumerable that could be added to this list.

Sin has been variously defined by human beings. But how does God’s Word define sin?

1. Sin is the transgression of the law. (Read 1 John 3:4)
2. Sin is coming short of the glory of God. (Read Romans 3:23)
3. Sin is rebellion against God. (Read Isaiah 1:2)
4. Sin is going your own way, planning your life without seeking the will
    of God. (Read Isaiah 53:6)
5. All unrighteousness is sin. (Read 1 John 5:17)

Sin is a …
folly out to deceive you,
force out to destroy you,
fact that will condemn you.

Sin is a voluntary act of the human will in disobedience against the will of God.

III. How Did Sin Enter The World?
(Read Romans 5:12)

The fall of man is found in Genesis 3:1-24. Read this chapter before continuing.

The whole of Adam’s being was affected when he sinned in the Garden. This caused all of Adam’s offspring to be spiritually degenerate just as he had become when he sinned. (Read 1 Peter 1:23) We are conceived naturally by seed that has been made spiritually corrupt and inherit the “spiritual DNA” of our parents in the Garden.

We are sinners by nature because we are born into sin. (Read Psalm 51:5)

The truth of this is easily seen in the lives of children. We don’t have to teach children to be bad. This comes naturally. But we do have to teach children how to be good. We don’t have to teach children to lie or steal. But we do have to teach children to be honest and tell the truth.

(Read Romans 5:18)
What was the result of Adam’s offense?

(Read John 3:18)
What is the result of unbelief?

(Read Romans 3:23)
Who is guilty of sin?

Sin entered the world through our first parents in the Garden of Eden and we inherited the sin nature from them. All have sinned because all are sinners because of the sin of Adam. Just as Adam chose to sin, mankind continues to sin by choice because we are sinners by nature. The reason sin has an attraction and holds dominion sin over us is because we take delight in it.

IV. What Is The Result Of Sin?
(Read Ephesians 2:1)

According to Romans 6:23 the wages (result) of sin is death. As a result of man’s sin, there are three deaths that are experienced. It is important to remember that death is not the means to annihilation. Death is the means to separation. Consider the three forms of death experienced because of sin.

1. THE RESULT OF SIN IS SPIRITUAL DEATH.

Just as sin separated Adam and Eve from God’s presence and drove them out of the Garden, so also sin separates us from God. (Read Isaiah 59:1-2) The only way back to God is to CONFESS (Read 1 John 1:9) our sins to him and FORSAKE (Read Isaiah 55:7) our sins. In so doing we are restored to fellowship with God.

2. THE RESULT OF SIN IS PHYSICAL DEATH.

Physical death is the result of sin. Death had no claim on man before he sinned. Now everyone dies physically because all are in sin. Death is universal. Since we have a universal effect, we must also have a universal cause. That universal cause is universal sin. All people, both good and bad, die. And mankind will continue to die until death is DESTROYED (Read 1 Corinthians 16:26) by Jesus Christ and is SWALLOWED UP (Read 1 Corinthians 15:54-57) in victory.

3. THE RESULT OF SIN IS ETERNAL DEATH.

According to Ezekiel, the soul that sins dies. (Read Ezekiel 18:20) This is eternal separation from God. (Read Revelation 20:14-15) Once a soul passes through the transparent portal that leads from this life into the afterlife, that soul is everlastingly consigned to an existence devoid of any hope. That soul is damned for eternity. Eternal death is eternal separation from God. (Read Luke 16:19-31)

V. Is There A Remedy For Sin?
(Read 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Mankind has always set about striving to accomplish what only God can.

1. Man strives for self-righteousness when he needs to receive God’s
    righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
2. Man strives for reform when what he needs is regeneration. (Read Titus 3:5)
3. Man strives for a new leaf when what he needs is a new life.
    (Read John 10:10)
4. Man strives to be justified by the law when he needs to be justified in
    faith by Jesus Christ. (Read Galations 2:16)
5. Man strives to clean up the old man when he needs to be made a new man
    in Jesus Christ. (Read Ephesians 4:24)
6. Man strives to be saved by good works when he needs salvation by the
    grace of God. (Read Ephesians 2:8-9)

The only remedy for the ruination of man is the Son of God. Jesus Christ was made sin for us on the cross. The only way to receive this remedy for ruin is through faith in him as our personal Lord and Savior. (Read John 20:30-31)