Topical Bible: Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For

◄ Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For ►

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In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul provides a profound theological exploration of sin and the responsibility associated with it. His epistles offer a comprehensive understanding of human sinfulness, the law, and the grace available through Jesus Christ. Paul's writings emphasize both the universality of sin and the personal responsibility each individual bears.

Universality of Sin

Paul asserts the universality of sin in his letter to the Romans, stating, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This declaration underscores the pervasive nature of sin, affecting every human being regardless of their background or status. Paul emphasizes that sin is not merely a collection of wrongful acts but a fundamental condition of humanity that separates individuals from God.

The Law and Sin

In his discussion of the law, Paul explains its role in revealing sin. He writes, "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin" (Romans 3:20). The law serves as a mirror, reflecting the sinful nature of humanity and highlighting the need for divine intervention. Paul further elaborates in Romans 7:7, "What then shall we say? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if not for the law. For I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, 'Do not covet.'" Here, Paul acknowledges the law's role in making individuals conscious of their sinful inclinations.

Personal Responsibility

Paul's teachings emphasize personal responsibility for sin. In Romans 6:12-13, he exhorts believers, "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness." This passage highlights the active role individuals must take in resisting sin and choosing righteousness.

The Role of Grace

While Paul acknowledges the reality and responsibility of sin, he also proclaims the transformative power of grace through Jesus Christ. In Romans 5:20-21, he writes, "The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." This grace does not absolve individuals of responsibility but empowers them to overcome sin and live in accordance with God's will.

The Struggle with Sin

Paul candidly shares his personal struggle with sin in Romans 7:15-25, illustrating the internal conflict between the desire to do good and the propensity to sin. He writes, "For I do not understand what I am doing. For I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate" (Romans 7:15). Despite this struggle, Paul finds hope in Jesus Christ, declaring, "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25).

Freedom from Sin

In Romans 8:1-2, Paul proclaims the freedom available to believers: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death." This freedom is not a license to sin but a call to live by the Spirit, as Paul further explains in Galatians 5:16, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

Paul's discussion of sin and responsibility is a central theme in his epistles, offering a theological framework that underscores the gravity of sin, the necessity of personal responsibility, and the hope found in the grace of Jesus Christ. His teachings continue to resonate with believers, guiding them in their spiritual journey toward righteousness.

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Romans 2:1
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are that judge: for wherein you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you that judge do the same things.
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Romans 3:1
What advantage then has the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
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Romans 4:1
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found?
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Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
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Romans 6:1
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
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Romans 7:1
Know you not, brothers, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?
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Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
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Romans 9:1
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
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Library

The Church and the World.
... See in Paul's experience, Acts 13:42-45. ... they had not had sin. ... For discussion of the
Comforter, his nature and work, [11]see notes on the preceding chapter. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the church and the world.htm

Analysis of Arminian Methodism
... It is assumed"on the ground of Paul's parallel between ... Though born in sin, they are
not held guilty ... some time past, held, without much discussion, that the ...
/.../ 111 analysis of arminian.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans
... After a parenthetical discussion of difficulties suggested by a ... Paul shows that the
Jews are not in a worse ... Both are under the dominion of sin, and Scripture ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xiii the epistle of.htm

The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law.
... Paul says of the magistrate: "Rulers are not a terror to ... are not all the modes in
which sin has converted ... discourse compel us to stop the discussion here, and ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the original and the actual.htm

All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
... and musing, apparently taking no interest in the discussion, when suddenly ... of the
pagan world, as the apostle Paul does, to their sin and transgression. ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/all mankind guilty or every.htm

The Five Books Against Marcion
... Chapter XI.--If, After Man's Sin, God Exercised His ... Marcion's Terms of Discussion,
However, Accepted, and Grappled ... Paul Rebuked The Rebuke Shows that It Cannot ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/the five books against marcion/

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... There has been much discussion as to what sanctification ... He makes an objective atonement
for sin " exactly what ... Paul describes as katallage or reconciliation ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 4 the epistle to.htm

The Epistles of St. Paul
... For one thing, abstract discussion of such statements, apart from their application
to ... religion in its very principle; and to such a sin St ... Paul will be no party ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 3 the epistles of.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... the more painfully he felt the weight of sin and the ... as the basis for his wonderful
discussion of the ... and cannot set aside the fact that Paul was, according to ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 31 the conversion of.htm

Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... and even laugh uproariously over a discussion on decrees ... the church compromise one
hair's-breadth with sin. ... is said about expediency; and Paul's words about ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/thoughts for the clergy on.htm