73. The definition of sin

In Scripture, sin is described as lawlessness (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7). It reflects a willful departure from God's perfect will and design. The first sin did not begin with humanity, but with a powerful angelic being traditionally associated with Satan, who, though not named "Lucifer" in the original Hebrew, is depicted in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 as having fallen from a high position due to pride. Seeking to exalt himself above God, he fell from grace and introduced rebellion into creation.

This rebellion reached humanity in the Garden of Eden, where the tempter deceived Adam and Eve with the same temptation, “You shall be like God” (Genesis 3:5). Their disobedience brought sin into the human condition. According to Romans 5:12, sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and death through sin, spreading to all humanity.

Humanity, created in the image of God, suffered a deep wound from this first sin. Our nature became inclined toward disobedience. This is often called original sin or inherited sin, not as a personal fault, but as a condition into which every human is born (Psalm 51:5). This fallen nature results in both spiritual separation from God and a tendency toward personal sin.

Inherited sin refers to our fallen human nature passed down from Adam. We are not sinners merely because we sin. We sin because we are sinners by nature.

Imputed sin is a theological term drawn from the language of accounting and law. It means to attribute or credit something to another’s account. Paul teaches that even before the Mosaic Law was given, death reigned (Romans 5:13–14), not because people broke specific laws they didn’t yet have, but because sin already ruled in the human heart. After the Law, humanity became accountable for both inherited sin and violations of God’s revealed commands.

However, God in His mercy applied this same principle of imputation for redemption. He imputed humanity’s sin to Jesus Christ, who, though sinless, bore the punishment we deserved (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus never committed sin, nor did He inherit a sinful nature. But He willingly bore the weight of sin on our behalf, and in return, His righteousness is credited to those who believe in Him. This great exchange is central to the Christian gospel.

Personal sin refers to the specific choices we make each day that fall short of God’s holiness, everything from dishonesty and selfishness to acts of injustice or violence. All have sinned in this way (Romans 3:23). For those who have not placed their trust in Christ, the just penalty for sin remains, eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11–15).

But for the believer, there is hope and power. Through Christ, we are not only justified, but are being sanctified, strengthened by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us (Romans 8:9–11). Though we still struggle with sin, we are no longer slaves to it. When we fall, we can turn to God in repentance, trusting His promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9).

Sin, whether inherited, imputed, or personal, has been fully addressed through the cross of Christ. Jesus took our place and bore our guilt, and through His resurrection, offers us new life. By faith, we are united to Him and redeemed by His blood: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).