Sin: What Is It And Where Does It Come From?Sample

ORIGINAL SIN

The Christian doctrine of “original sin” is widely misunderstood. Whatever else it may mean, it most certainly does not say that God holds you responsible for something that someone else did. Ultimately, you are answerable for your own actions.

The Scriptures tell us this very clearly: “In those days they shall say no more: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge” (Jeremiah 31:29, 30; see also Ezekiel 18:2,3).

Let’s restate that in the simplest possible terms. Every individual is responsible for his or her own choices. If you end up spending eternity separated from God in “outer darkness” (see Matthew 8:12, 13:42), it won’t be because Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. It will be the direct result of your own failure to embrace the gift of God’s forgiveness and grace made available in the Person of Jesus Christ (John 1:17, 3:16).

On the other hand, if you dwell forever in the presence of angels and in fellowship with the Heavenly Father, it won’t be because you somehow tapped into your own wisdom and virtue to avoid sinful choices. It will be because you accepted God’s offer of unmerited deliverance and salvation. No one can make that decision for you – not your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, spouse, children, grandchildren, or friends. You have to make it for yourself.

“But why,” you may ask, “do I need forgiveness and grace when I haven’t done anything wrong?” Maybe a bit of honest soul-searching will convince you that this isn’t entirely true. The Bible tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). It also declares that “by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20).

But let’s get back to the idea of “original sin.” The Bible tells us that every human being is born with a “sin nature” (sometimes called “the flesh”). This is an important biblical teaching. In Romans 5:12, Paul explains that “through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin.” This is why each one of us remains a “slave of sin,” unable to please God by our own actions, until we are “set free” by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:20, 22).

For more help, visit Pure Intimacy or Focus on the Family’s main website. You can also call the ministry’s Counseling Department for a free consultation at 855-771-HELP (4357).