Biblical Answer

The Reality of Sin

In Christianity, the reality of sin is faced squarely once for all, and is dealt with by the grace of God. This means that Christians must acknowledge the presence of sin in their lives and in the world. The Bible teaches that sin is a fundamental part of human nature, and that it separates us from God (Romans 3:23). Ignoring the reality of sin or downplaying its significance is not a viable option for Christians. Instead, we must confront our own sinfulness and seek God's forgiveness and help in overcoming it.

Methods for Discussing Sin

There are several ways to discuss sin in contemporary society. One approach is to emphasize the personal responsibility of individuals for their actions. This involves acknowledging that sin is a choice, and that individuals are accountable to God for their decisions. Another approach is to focus on the consequences of sin, highlighting the harm that it can cause to individuals and society as a whole. A third approach is to emphasize the redemptive power of God, teaching that sin can be forgiven and that individuals can be restored to a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Regardless of the approach taken, it is essential to affirm the necessity of God's Word in understanding sin. The Bible provides a clear and authoritative definition of sin, and it offers guidance on how to overcome it.

The Biblical Terms for Sin

The Bible uses eight different terms to characterize sin. These include: (1) hamartia, which refers to the act of sinning; (2) anomia, which refers to a lack of law or a disregard for God's law; (3) adikia, which refers to injustice or wickedness; (4) ponēria, which refers to evil or wickedness; (5) kakia, which refers to wickedness or evil; (6) kōmos, which refers to revelry or immorality; (7) logismos, which refers to sinful thoughts or reasoning; and (8) skubala, which refers to uncleanness or impurity. These terms highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of sin, and they emphasize the need for Christians to be vigilant in their struggle against it. By understanding these biblical terms, Christians can gain a deeper appreciation for the reality of sin and its consequences, and they can develop a more effective strategy for overcoming it.