The following articles are related to the topic of SIN

The Covering of Sin

In a refreshing declaration, an Old Testament writer affirms: "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Psa. 32:1). In stark relief, another biblical writer says: "He who covers his transgressions shall not prosper..." (Prov. 28:13). The former passage commends the covering of sin; the latter one condemns such. How are these two inspired oracles to be ... read more »

Are Some Sins “Excused”?

"In his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul describes a certain level of human activity as 'inexcusable' (Rom. 1:20). Does this imply that some conduct, even that which is bad, is 'excusable'?" No, that would be an erroneous conclusion to draw from the terminology of the passage cited above. All sin - any sin - is a transgression of ... read more »

A Realistic Look at Sin

If you want to liven up a conversation, introduce the subject of sin. The reactions will be varied. Some will get angry and others will jokingly sneer about it. Some will suggest that the idea of sin is an arrogant imposition of "religion" - an invention of the priest craft and clergy for the purpose of exercising control over the ... read more »

Did David Sin against God Only?

"In Psalm 51, it appears that David is praying for forgiveness after having committed fornication with Bathsheba (as indicated in the superscription). How then could he have said to God, 'Against thee, thee only, have I sinned' (v. 4)?" The solution to this problem is to be found in the sense in which Israel's great king is using the language. ... read more »

1 Kings 12 — The Sin of Jeroboam

Jeroboam, a ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, is given special attention in the Old Testament. No less than twenty-one times he is charged with having caused Israel to sin (cf. 1 Kings 14:16). What was his transgression that merited such attention? He was an innovator. He practiced what the apostle Paul would call "will-worship" (Colossians 2:23). His presumptuous ... read more »

What About the Sins of Bible Heroes?

Would you comment concerning the deceit and lying that occurred on the part of certain Old Testament figures, such as Abraham, Isaac, and others? I have trouble with this every time I read Genesis. Certainly. Your question is very thoughtful. The following points, I believe, will help put this issue in focus: (1) The Bible does not attempt to conceal ... read more »

Evolution and the Doctrine of Original Sin

The July/August issue of Archaeology magazine is devoted to the propagation of the theory of evolution. The front cover features an ape face with the accompanying caption: "In Search of Human Origins." The article seeks to convey the impression that within the last half-century new fossil evidence has buttressed the notion that humans derive their existence from lower, ape-like creatures. ... read more »

What Was the Nature of Cain’s Sin?

We were discussing Cain's sacrifice in Genesis 4 in class recently, and some suggested that Cain's "vegetable" offering was what God wanted, but Cain just did not give his "best." My answer was that he and Abel should have offered the same thing (i.e., an animal sacrifice); however, I cannot prove that to be so. Though there is no explicit ... read more »

Are Some Sins “Greater” than Others?

"When Jesus was on trial before Pilate, he said: 'He who delivers me unto you has the greater sin' (John 19:11). Is one type of sin 'greater' than another? Explain, please." On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus, in company with his disciples (Judas excluded), left the city of Jerusalem and made his way eastward, across the brook Kidron, to ... read more »

Have You Considered The Consequences Of Sin?

The theme of "sin" dominates the Bible. There are at least eight different terms in the Hebrew Old Testament reflecting some aspect of sin, e.g., "bad," "wickedness," "iniquity," etc. Some thirteen different words in the New Testament similarly depict various shades of sin, e.g., "evil," "unrighteousness," "transgression," etc. (cf. Pfeiffer, 2003, 1594-95). Sin has left a deadly legacy upon our ... read more »