Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian theological framework, sin is understood as any action, thought, or disposition that is contrary to the will and law of God. The Bible presents sin as a fundamental problem that separates humanity from God, necessitating divine intervention for reconciliation. The concept that no man can atone for his own sin is a central tenet of Christian doctrine, emphasizing the need for a Savior.The Nature of Sin Sin is depicted in the Bible as pervasive and inherent in human nature. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse underscores the universality of sin, indicating that every person is guilty and in need of redemption. The gravity of sin is further highlighted in Romans 6:23, which declares, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Inadequacy of Human Efforts The Bible consistently teaches that human efforts are insufficient to atone for sin. Isaiah 64:6 illustrates this by stating, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." This metaphor emphasizes the inadequacy of human righteousness in the sight of a holy God. The futility of self-atonement is further emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." The Need for a Divine Savior Given the insufficiency of human efforts, the Bible points to the necessity of a divine Savior. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament, as described in Leviticus, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:4 states, "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." This verse highlights the temporary and symbolic nature of Old Testament sacrifices, which pointed to the need for a perfect and final atonement. Christ's Atoning Work The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the need for atonement. John 1:29 proclaims, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is presented as the only sufficient means of atonement for sin. 1 Peter 2:24 affirms, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness." Faith in Christ's Atonement The Bible teaches that salvation and forgiveness of sins are received through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This justification is not based on human merit but on Christ's atoning work. Acts 4:12 declares, "Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Conclusion The doctrine that no man can atone for his own sin is foundational to the Christian faith. It underscores the necessity of divine grace and the centrality of Jesus Christ's redemptive work. Through faith in Him, believers receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God, a gift that human effort alone could never achieve. Torrey's Topical Textbook Micah 6:7Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Twenty-Fourth Chapter: Judgment and the Punishment of Sin Christ Our Righteousness. True Repentance Implanted Dispositions. Whether Venial Sin is Expiated by the Pains of Purgatory as ... Sacrifice. The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death. Enmity Between Man and Satan. The Only Atoning Priest Enmity Between Man and Satan Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |