The Social Dimension of Sin

I believe that social sin is prevalent in our society along with individual sin. Persons who oppose personal sin may be drawn into the cooperate nature of sin through evil acts of government, economic structures, or some kind of group. Individual sin has always been the focus among evangelical Christians and we have ignored or addressed this issue inadequately.  Sin and salvation have to do with individual human beings, but at the same time, the Bible also talks about a group or collective sin.[1] 

Recognizing the social sin can become difficult as we are not inclined to regard matters in which we do not have a very active role or choice. If someone else is in charge or leader then we may ignore the issue completely. Sometimes our membership in a group can be so conditioned that our very perception of reality is colored by it. We may also not recognize group selfishness because it may actually involve individual unselfishness. At times when we are part of a group, we may display attitudes of superiority towards it. Being removed from actual evil can also make it seem less evil.

I believe that the world is under Satan’s control and it is an organized system of spiritual force. The world being evil can corrupt whatever it touches. I also believe that corporate personality plays a role in transmitting evil in the world. As a strategy to overcome social sin, I believe that regeneration is important since individual human hearts and personalities are corrupted and only it can bring a lasting change. 

There are also structures of evil in the world that transcends individual human will and sometimes reformation may work out. We should be careful about how we are trying to bring this reformation. I do not agree with revolution as a solution since the basic principles of revolution contradicts the teachings of Jesus Christ many times. We cannot justify it on the basis of some important teachings of the Bible and hence I do not think that it should be used.[2]

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[1] Erickson, Christian Theology, 658.

[2] Erickson, Christian Theology, 674.

The Magnitude of Sin

I believe that sin is universal and the Bible affirms the depth and breadth of sin in all humans. So sin is not isolated to a few individuals or a majority of the human race, but all are sinners without exception (Rom.3:9).[1] The command to repent is for all people. All people are subject to the penalty of sin which is death. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and the wages of sin is death (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). 

I believe in the doctrine of total depravity. This means that the seat of sin is not merely one aspect of the person, such as the body or the reason.[2] Sin is a matter of the entire person and an unregenerate person’s altruism always contains an element of improper motive. Sinners are completely unable to extricate themselves from their sinful condition.

 Regarding the theories of original sin, I do not agree with Pelagianism.  I believe that Adam’s sin has an effect on all human beings. I agree with the Arminian and Calvinist views that God imputes corrupted nature. About the imputation of guilt, I do not think I have an answer yet as so many other issues are raised with both these views. If guilt is imputed in the sense of culpability then what happens to small children who die is a difficult question to deal with.  The concept that we become responsible and guilty when we accept or approve of our corrupt nature again raises a question as to when does a person really becomes responsible.[3]

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[1] Erickson, Christian Theology, 638.

[2] Erickson, Christian Theology, 645.

[3] Erickson, Christian Theology, 656.

The Results of Sin

I believe that sin has very serious consequences when it comes to the relationship between the sinner and God.[1] Sin is a very serious matter both to God and to humanity. 

I also believe that sin has far-reaching and long-lasting consequences. It affects our relationship with God and it resulted in divine disfavor. As a result of sin, there is guilt and liability to God’s punishment. Another result of sin is death which has to do with physical death, spiritual death, and eternal death. Sin has its effect on the sinner in a way that he or she becomes enslaved and there is an unwillingness to face reality. It also results in denial of sin and insensitivity to God’s warning and condemnations.[2]   

In regard to man’s relationship with other humans, I believe that sin results in competition, the inability to empathize and love one another.[3]

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[1] Erickson, Christian Theology, 618.

[2] Erickson, Christian Theology, 634.

[3] Erickson, Christian Theology, 636.

The Source of Sin

I believe sin is not caused by God. 

"No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone." (James 1:13, CSB)

Humans have certain desires which are not wrong or bad. When these desires are twisted towards wrong or prohibited things then it becomes a source of sin. I believe that God has imputed certain needs in each person and satisfaction of those needs is important and they can also bring enjoyment.[1]  People have a desire to obtain things. They also have the desire to do things and achieve things in life. They are not wrong, but when used in a wrong way it becomes the source of sin. 

I believe that various views regarding the source of sin like animal nature, the anxiety of finiteness, existential estrangement, economic struggle, individualism, and competitiveness does not fully align with the teachings of the Bible. The problem lies in the fact that human beings are sinful by nature and live in a world in which powerful forces seek to induce them to sin.

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[1] Erickson, Christian Theology, 614.

THE NATURE OF SIN

I believe that sin is any evil action or evil motive that is in opposition to God. Sin is the failure to let God be God and placing something or someone in God’s rightful place of supremacy.[1] I also believe that the doctrine of sin is very important as it influences all other doctrines. It is also a difficult subject to discuss as people do not want to accept or acknowledge that they are sinners.

    Many people are unable to grasp the concept of sin as an inner force, an inherent condition, or a controlling power. [2] I believe that terms that emphasize the cause of sin are ignorance, error, and inattention.[3] The terms which emphasize the character of sin are missing the mark, irreligion, transgression, inequality or lack of integrity, rebellion, treachery, perversion, and abomination. The results of sin are emphasized by terms such as agitation or restlessness, evil or badness, guilt, and trouble. All of these terms emphasize somewhat different aspects. I believe that sin is basically the displacement of God from our life.

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[1] Erickson, Christian Theology, 579.

[2] Erickson, Christian Theology, 582.

[3] Erickson, Christian Theology, 586.

 

THE UNIVERSALITY OF HUMANITY

I believe that God has regard for all people irrespective of race, gender, economic status, and age. I affirm that all races are included in God’s human family and thus are objects of his love.[1] There is no distinction between people based on race regarding justification and hence there should not be a distinction of race. I also believe that both sexes should be treated in the same way even though God has given each different responsibilities in regard to how they function as a family. The difference in functions should not result in discrimination. In Bible, we see many women whom God used for his glory. We should keep the differences in mind but that should not end up with one person seen as superior to other.

            I also believe that there should not be discrimination between married and unmarried people. The Bible talks about unmarried people and it never condemns them. I believe that in the sight of God, all humans are equal. The distinctions of race, social status, and sex are of no significance to him. This should result in Christians showing the same impartial concern and interest for all humans, regardless of incidentals of lives. [2]

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[1] Erickson, Christian Theology, 559.

[2] Erickson, Christian Theology, 575.

 

THE CONSTITUTIONAL NATURE OF HUMAN

I believe that humans are to be treated as unities and their spiritual condition cannot be dealt with independently of their physical and psychological condition. A human is a complex being and its nature is not reducible to a single principle.[1] 

I believe that human nature is not inconsistent with the scriptural teaching of a personal conscious existence between death and resurrection. The different aspects of human nature are all to be attended to and respected. I believe that gospel is an appeal to the whole person.  On the basis of different scriptures dealing with human beings, I can agree with the concept of dichotomy. 

I believe that there is spirit, soul, and body (1 Thess. 5:23).   Based on the arguments presented by Erickson regarding the meaning of words used in the original language[2], I agree that there is a possibility of conditional unity.  Robinson’s[3] argument is that the Hebrews had a unitary view of human nature. I do not believe in trichotomism or monism.

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[1] Erickson, Christian Theology, 557.

[2] Erickson, Christian Theology, 547.

[3] Erickson, Christian Theology, 547.