Basic Christian Doctrine (D0501)

Doctrine of Sin

3/22/2010 5:15:00 AM

I. Presuppositions Holiness of God (Theology; Leviticus 11:44-45; 1 Peter 15-16) Gods Purpose (Creation): o That people be holy. (Anthropology; 1 Peter 2:5,9) The Present State of Mankind (Hamartiology): o That they are unholy. II. Three Aspects of Sin State of Sin (Original Sin) This can be defined as a subjective state contrary to love. We might also refer to this as inward sin. o Sinfulness o Sin Nature o Original Sin o Carnal Nature o Self-Centeredness Act of Sin Defined as external acts which fail to conform to a given standard. In this case, the standard is Gods character (righteousness + love) Infirmities: General Depravity These can be viewed in 2 senses. First, as effects of sin. Second, as the grounding of additional sin (they may lead to additional sin). o 1. Physical 2. Intellectual 3. Emotional 4. Social All of these infirmities can be modified by grace. *Defining sin as both a voluntary act and a subjective state, both of

which are contrary to Gods revealed and known will, is to clearly define the essence of sin. *A note about sin as a state (original/inbred sin) use typed notes. III. Description of Sin A. Roles of God and Multiple Terms for Sin (handout) B. Alternate Definitions of Sin as an Action

o 1. Legal Definition: Any transgression of a law of God, whether voluntary or involuntary. (cf. Judge) o 2. Ethical (Family) Definition: A voluntary transgression of a known law of God. (cf. Father) o Biblical basis for these 2 approaches: o *Use The Nature of Sin typed notes. o *Show Righteous Judge/Loving Father slide here. C. Infirmities (General Depravity) o Any falling short of Gods standard that is not voluntary in nature (i.e. it does not involve an act of the will).

o 1. Physical e.g. a person has a stroke while driving and hits another motorist, killing them. This breaks the command to not kill, yet it was not done as an act of will. o 2. Intellectual e.g. Sin committed out of ignorance. o 3. Emotional Mental illness? o 4. Social Broken social structures / unreached people groups IV. Problem vs. Solution So, not that we understand the problem, what is the solution? *Use Problem Vs Solution slide.

3/22/2010 5:15:00 AM

3/22/2010 5:15:00 AM