James H. Cagle
“. . . for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3: 4 KJV).
Sin is defined as something real and therefore a reality we must deal with.
Sin is not an accident that just happens. Sin is a choice. Sin happens or comes into existence when we willfully choose to disobey God’s revealed will as seen in His Word and choose instead to follow our own sinful will. To sin is a choice that we are responsible for and will be held accountable for.
Sin was introduced into the human race through the first man Adam. Adam sinned because he transgressed God’s law which forbade him to eat of the tree of the “knowledge of good and evil.” Adam’s sin and guilt was imputed to the whole human race along with its results or side effects, such as death.
Sin is universal. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” And, “For there is not a just man upon the earth, that doeth good (always), and sinneth not.” Even the Christian is capable of sinning, because as long as he is in his natural body with its sinful nature he is capable of disobeying God.
Before we choose to sin we’re tempted to sin. A temptation to sin puts sin in a good light and makes evil look good or at least better than the will of God. A temptation to sin highlights sin’s pleasures while covering up sin’s consequences. It is by yielding to the temptation to sin that we become guilty of sin. It is by rejecting the temptation to sin and accepting God’s will instead, that we get the victory over sin.
Death is the result or side effect of sin. Death is not annihilation, for the soul never dies. Death is another condition of existence. Death is separation. Physical death is separation from our loved ones here. Spiritual death is separation from God forever. We are born “dead in trespasses and sin” separated from God, but by being born-again through faith in Jesus Christ are united with God.
Jesus dealt with our sins by taking responsibility for our sins and paying our sin-debt with His death at Calvary. All who believe in Him have their sins forgiven and have His righteousness imputed to them, and He gives to them eternal life.
