Sin you say?

Sin is a difficult topic to discuss with relation to Scripture because the same word in English refers to several different states. In its most basic form, sin is a transgression of law and rebellion against God. Sin is any action that harms the relationship we have with God and/or another person. It is choosing to act in a way that pulls us away from God. He designed us to respond to Him in a way that is in agreement with His nature. Sin breaks that connection, refuses that gift, and rejects God. Cornelious Plantinga says that sin is the "willful breaking of Shalom". Shalom is that state of peace and perfection that God originally intended for man and creation. When we sin, we break Shalom.

Sin entered the world at "The Fall" when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Tree that God declared out of bounds to them. We are now spiritually sinful because of the "sin nature" we inherited from Adam. We are born with the nature of sin and a natural tendency is towards sin. We are born with the inclination to reject God, since from the curse in Gen 3:16 we are at enmity with God. Because of our identity as descendants of Adam, we also carry "imputed sin." This is a term meaning taking something that belongs to someone and crediting it to an other's account. It is almost like being a fan of a certain team because they are the only team in town. We are identified with that team, which in our case is sin. Of course, sin is also each individual action which is counter to God's law.

Sin can show up in a variety of ways. The Hebrew 'awon means an iniquity or malevolent unfairness (1 Samuel 20:1). Rasha' infers restlessness or something that is out of control (Isaiah 57:21). Chata' is the most commonly heard definition. It means missing the mark or straying off course (Judges 20:16). 'Abar means to transgress or to go beyond that which is sanctioned (Judges 2:20). In the New Testament, the Greek hamartia is similar to the Hebrew chata' but it goes further. It is not only "missing the mark," but also the inner compulsion or nature that induced the offense (Romans 6:1). Similarly, it can be an organized power that deliberately sets about causing a person or group to fall into sin (Romans 6:12). Coincidentally, in seminary the study of sin is called "Hamartialogy".

Since all sin is the rejection of God, His authority, and His preference, sin automatically excludes us from His presence. And in reading you also see that pride plays a huge role in sin as pride turns our attention from God and towards us. But forgiveness of sin, as well as grace and peace and eternal life are found in Jesus Christ. Freedom from the grasp of sin is only found in God. Our inherited sin nature, our imputed sin, and our every little choice definitively separate us from God. Fortunately, Jesus' sacrifice covers all sins. Instead of Adam's imputed sin, we receive Christ's imputed righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)—we choose another team to identify with. As the Holy Spirit indwells us, the sin nature loses its grasp, and we are no longer its slave. And when we commit individual acts of sin, we are authorized to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), knowing that coming to God and confessing our sins will allow us to renew our relationship with Him.

Christian Relationships

So I have been thinking about this for a while, and I think I am going to go ahead and start writing a series of blog entries specifically for my Redline Youth Group addressing common questions that come up a lot, like questions about relationships, other religions, sin and forgiveness, heaven, etc. This is my first post. Enjoy!! Any ideas or comments, let me know.

Question: "Can you give me some Christian relationship advice?"

Answer: I have received this question a lot, and I am a little hesitant to give a direct relationship answer. As a Pastor people come to me for advice often, for Jr and Sr High students the ultimate authority in your life should be your parents (other than God, of course). Additionally, I do not presume to speak for God in giving authoritative relationship advice to Christians.

With that said, lets see what scriptural advice I can give. First, you should speak with God about your relationship. Pray to the Lord, asking Him to clearly reveal to you what He would have you do (Philippians 4:6-7), that is the MOST IMPORTANT THING: PRAY!!! Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment (James 1:5). God promises to grant prayer requests that are asked according to His will (1 John 5:14-15). Being wise and discerning are most definitely God's will. God wants you to make good relationship decisions. God desires Christians to be joyous and edified as a result of their relationships. If you ask God with an open heart and humble spirit, He will give you the relationship advice you need.

Finally, find wise counsel with mature Christians you can trust, and your parents. Seek guidance from your Youth Pastor or Sr. Pastor, or other mature church leaders (like youth leaders). Their years of experience enable them to speak from wisdom and the knowledge of God in their lives.