The Encyclopedia Americana definition for sin states, “Sin is the violation of what is believed to be prohibited by the command of God. It is a violation of conscience or the deliberate doing of what an individual believes to be evil. The concept of sin is to be found in primitive as well as advanced societies. Myths of the fall of man are common to many ancient societies and are similar to the one related in the book of Genesis.” From a Christian point of view, there is nothing mythological about the existence or the wages of sin. Further paragraphs in this article will seek to establish this from a Biblical view.
The word myth is used to describe the existence of sin by the world for various reasons. One of the main reasons is that a God of love and compassion would never allow such suffering to go on in this life because of sin. This continuous debate by many to discredit the word of God is vain. Such a controversial debate on sin has caused many Christians to lose faith in God because it is rarely accepted and not clearly understood. The story is clear in the book of Genesis that both Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the forbidden tree knowing that it was against God’s command. This is stated in Genesis chapter 2 verse 17, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
The simplicity of the above answer with regards to sin has baffled the minds of the very elect in societies worldwide to believe that God could allow people in the world to suffer because of ‘sin’. Can we not see that laws are made to govern humanity worldwide? And whenever these laws are broken persons are punished through various means as stated by the laws of that land. Is it not stated in the Lord’s Prayer that, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven?” Are we too modernized to accept such ancient theoretical laws of God to continue to indulge in sin, debating the authenticity of His word or His existence? God forbid.
Genesis chapter 1 verse 26 states, “And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness:” Man being made in the image and likeness of God, it is only natural for the same traits to be placed in him. All through the Holy Scriptures it is clearly seen where God bestowed His wrath upon all persons and nations, which did not abide by His laws and commandments through sinful deeds. Do we, as individuals not see our wrath being displayed upon persons who wrong us whether through negative word, thought or deed? Even in our subconscious the thought of vengeance for any wrong doing toward us, is manifested in our hearts though not always carried out. The same applies with the law of the land when it is broken and the culprit or culprits are caught. Punishment is handed down through the courts or other means.
The irony of the wages of sin in all of humanity is all are subject to the misery, which the act of sin brings no matter how holy, and Sanctified Christians and others may try to appear. Romans chapter 3 verses 23-24 states, “ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” Therefore, during prayers, if there is nothing else to thank God for, asking for the forgiveness of our sins is always appropriate. Whether the sin is committed in word, thought or deed forgiveness must be asked. In doing so as Christians it is also a must that we be able to forgive our brothers and sisters of their sins toward us before we can ask God to forgive us of ours. For how can we ask God to forgive us of our sins if we cannot forgive our brothers and sisters of their sins toward us as mentioned in the Bible?
There is a force that has been left in place by Jesus Christ on earth before His departure to combat and rebuke all manner of sin that is manifested in the hearts of mankind. This can be found in St John chapter 16 verses 7-11 which states, “ Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” The ravages and the awareness of sin are clearly seen, as Jesus was about to be crucified and the mourners followed Him. Luke chapter 23 verse 28 states, “But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” Jesus knew the power and misery that sin would bring before He left this earth.
Sin is a negative aspect of human existence that cannot be ignored in our daily lives and the making of choices from a spiritual perspective. However, from a worldly perspective the word ‘crime’ is used when a person commits an act against the law of the land. In both aspects, punishments are levied on the culprits. In the case of a crime the culprits are not always caught and allow them selves to be deceived into committing the same act time and time again. This also takes place in the breaking of the commandments of God. However, in this instance as stated in Numbers chapter 32 verse 22, “…and be sure your sin will find you out.” If you are not punished on earth, Ecclesiastes chapter 12 verse 14 states, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” It is good to know that all unrighteousness is sin as mentioned in 1st John chapter 5 verse 17. God bless you all.
Roderick R. Mckenzie.
Roddie30@hotmail.com
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