Topical Bible: Sin: The Sting of Death

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Sin, in Christian theology, is understood as any action, thought, or attitude that falls short of God's perfect standard of holiness. It is a fundamental concept in the Bible, representing the moral failing of humanity and the reason for the separation between God and man. The phrase "the sting of death is sin" is derived from 1 Corinthians 15:56, which states, "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law" . This entry explores the relationship between sin, death, and the law as presented in the Scriptures.

The Origin of Sin

The origin of sin is traced back to the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as recorded in Genesis 3. Their transgression against God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil introduced sin into the world, resulting in spiritual and physical death. Romans 5:12 explains, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned" . This passage highlights the universal impact of sin, affecting all of humanity.

Sin and Death

Death, both physical and spiritual, is the direct consequence of sin. The Bible consistently links sin with death, emphasizing that sin leads to separation from God, who is the source of life. Romans 6:23 succinctly states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" . This verse contrasts the outcome of sin with the hope offered through Jesus Christ, underscoring the severity of sin's consequences.

The Law and Sin

The law, given through Moses, serves to reveal the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. It acts as a mirror, reflecting human shortcomings and the need for a Savior. Romans 7:7-8 explains, "What then shall we say? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if it had not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.' But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire" . The law exposes sin, making individuals aware of their transgressions and their inability to achieve righteousness on their own.

The Power of Sin and the Victory in Christ

While sin holds power over humanity, leading to death, the New Testament proclaims the victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 declares, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" . Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering believers the promise of eternal life and freedom from the bondage of sin.

The Role of Repentance and Faith

In response to the reality of sin and its consequences, the Bible calls individuals to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 3:19 urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away" . Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a turning toward God, while faith in Christ acknowledges His sacrificial death and resurrection as the means of salvation. Through repentance and faith, believers receive forgiveness and are reconciled to God, escaping the sting of death that sin brings.

The Ongoing Struggle with Sin

Even after coming to faith in Christ, believers continue to struggle with sin. The apostle Paul describes this ongoing battle in Romans 7:21-25, acknowledging the tension between the desire to do good and the reality of sinful nature. However, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christians are empowered to overcome sin and live in obedience to God. Galatians 5:16 encourages, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" . The Spirit provides strength and guidance, enabling believers to resist sin and grow in holiness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 15:56
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sting of Death, What?
... O death, where is thy sting?" and at last he subjoined these words: "The sting of
death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law." [694] Now, because (as the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 20 the sting of death.htm

Sin and Death Conquered. --Romans, x. 4
... 6.6.8.6 James Montgomery. Sin and Death conquered."Romans, x.4. The sting of death
is sin,. The strength of sin the law; I feel the envenom'd wound within,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn ccxxxii sin and death.htm

Triumph Over Death and the Grave
... How sin is the sting of death is best discovered when conscience is alarmed in a
time of sickness; when the things of the world can no longer amuse, and death ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xliv triumph over death.htm

Sin.
... 4. Sin gives death its horror. "The sting of death is sin." 1:Cor.15:56. Many
a thing in this world carries a sting by which it inflicts pain. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii sin.htm

What is the Meaning of "In whom all have Sinned"?
... Because sin is the sting of death"that is, the sting by whose stroke death
occurs, not the sting with which death strikes. [2785 ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 7 what is the meaning.htm

Hell.
... "The sting of death is sin." Sin in the general of it is the sting of hell, for
there would be no such thing as torment even there, were it not that sin is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxviii hell.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin: but the ...
... "The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law," saith
our apostle, 1 Corinthians 15:56. These two concur to make ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxviii and if christ.htm

"And for Sin Condemned Sin in the Flesh. "
... And this being done, the strength of sin is quite gone, and so the sting of
death removed. Now, this had been impossible for man to do. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii and for sin.htm

Christian Joy in Death.
... 'Twas sin that was the sting of death, And on to dying drove us, For ever
done away sin hath Our Saviour, who did love us. Its pow ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/christian joy in death.htm

The Death of Death
... 56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.57. But thanks
be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.58. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the death of death.htm