The Influence of Sin on Christian Works and Ministry
The Influence of Sin on Christian Works and Ministry
The concept of sin's influence on Christian works and ministry is rooted in biblical teachings about the nature of sin and its effects on humanity. According to the Apostle Paul, "the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law" [2]. This understanding is foundational to various Christian traditions' views on how sin impacts believers' lives and their service to God.
The effects of sin are multifaceted, influencing both the individual and the community. Original sin, a concept discussed across various Christian traditions, is seen as having a profound impact on humanity. The Lutheran Augsburg Confession describes original sin as "the fault and corruption of the nature of every man, naturally engendered of Adam's offspring" [4]. Similarly, the Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles state that "Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk), but it is the fault and corruption of the Nature of every man" [7].
The influence of sin on Christian works is a significant concern. According to Calvin, original sin affects every aspect of human nature, necessitating a complete reformation through the Spirit [3]. This view is echoed in Reformed theology, where the effects of Adam's sin on his posterity are considered a part of Christian doctrine, though the extent and nature of this effect are debated [8]. The presence of sin can lead to "blindness" in understanding spiritual truths, as noted in Torrey's Topical Textbook, citing John 1:5 and 1 Corinthians 2:14 [1].
Different Christian traditions offer varying perspectives on how sin affects ministry. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John of Damascus, emphasizes the ongoing struggle with sin and the importance of spiritual growth and renewal [6]. In contrast, some Protestant traditions focus on the doctrine of justification by faith, which, while not negating the presence of sin, emphasizes the believer's standing before God.
The Anglican tradition acknowledges that within the visible Church, "the evil be ever mingled with the good," and that even those with "chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments" may be evil [9]. This reality does not negate the efficacy of the sacraments or the ministry, as their validity is derived from Christ's authority, not the minister's personal righteousness.
The understanding of sin's influence on Christian works and ministry is complex and nuanced, reflecting the diverse theological perspectives within Christianity. While traditions may differ in their articulation of the issue, there is a common recognition of sin's pervasive influence and the need for redemption and grace in all aspects of Christian life and service.
The historical development of this doctrine, particularly in the context of the early Church Fathers and subsequent theological debates, has shaped contemporary understandings. Augustine's thoughts on original sin, for example, have had a lasting impact on Western Christian theology [5]. The ongoing discussion across traditions highlights the significance of this topic for Christian doctrine and practice.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Blindness, Spiritual — Explained -- Joh 1:5; 1Co 2:14. The effect of sin -- Isa 29:10; Mt 6:23; Joh 3:19,20. Unbelief, the effect of -- Ro 11:8; 2Co 4:3,4. Uncharitableness, a proof of -- 1Jo 2:9,11. A work of the devil -- 2Co 4:4. Leads to all evil -- Eph 4:17-19. Is consistent with communion with God -- 1Jo 1:6,7. Of ministers, fatal to themselves and to the people -- Mt 15:14. The wicked are in -- Ps 82:5; Jer 5:21. The self-righteous are in -- Mt 23:19,26; Re 3:17. The wicked wilfully guilty of -- Isa 26:11; Ro 1:19-21. Judicially inflicted -- Ps 69:23; Isa 29:10”
- 1 Corinthians “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. -- 1 Corinthians 15:56”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 37: a description of original sin; The same thing appears more clearly from the mode of renovation. For the spirit, which is contrasted with the old man, and the flesh, denotes not only the grace by which the sensual or inferior part of the soul is corrected, but includes a complete reformation of all its parts ( Eph. 4:23 ). And, accordingly, Paul enjoins not only that gross appetites be suppressed, but that we be renewed in the spirit of our mind ( Eph. 4:23 ), as he elsewhere tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind ( ”
- Augsburg Confession (Lutheran) “Augsburg Confession (Lutheran, 1530), Article II. Of Original Sin.: Article II. Of Original Sin.”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 3: Augustine — On the Holy Trinity — CHAP. 46.--IT IS PROBABLE THAT CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED IN THE GUILT NOT ONLY OF THE FIRST PAIR, BUT OF THEIR OWN IMMEDIATE PARENTS.: And it is said, with much appearance of probability, that infants are involved in the guilt of the sins not only of the first pair, but of their own immediate parents. For that divine judgment, "I shall visit the iniquities of the fathers upon the children,"(7) certainly applies to them before they come under the new covenant by regeneration. And it was this new covenant that was prophesied of, when it was said by Ezek”
- CCEL (Eastern Orthodox) “John of Damascus, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, section 105: 9:5 9:5 9:5 9:19 9:21 9:21 10:4 10:4 10:6-9 10:13-21 10:17 11:8 11:25-27 11:28 11:32 11:33-36 11:36 11:36 11:36 12:3 12:13 15:10 15:12 16:25-27 1 Corinthians 1:9 1:10 1:17-25 1:20 1:20-25 1:23 1:23 1:23-24 1:24 1:24 1:24 1:27 1:27 2:2 2:7-8 2:8 2:8 2:8 2:10-11 2:11 2:12 2:12 2:14-15 3:8 3:8 3:16 3:17 3:19 7:2 7:25 7:31 8 8:5 8:6 8:6 8:6 8:6 8:6 8:7 10:1 10:17 10:31 11:2 11:24-26 11:29 11:31-32 12:3 12:3 12:3 12:3 12:4-7 12:4-11 12:5-6 12:5-6 12:8 12:8 12:8-10 12:11 12:12 12:24 13:10 14:32 14:37 15:3-4 15:16-17 15:20 15:2”
- Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), 9.Of Original or Birth-sin.: 9.Of Original or Birth-sin.”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 45: § 8. The Effects of Adam’s Sin upon his Posterity. That the sin of Adam injured not himself only but also all descending from him by ordinary generation, is part of the faith of the whole Christian world. The nature and extent of the evil thus entailed upon his race, and the ground or reason of the descendants of Adam being involved in the evil consequences of his transgression, have ever been matter of diversity and discussion. As to both of these points the common Augustinian doctrine is briefly stated in the Symbols of our Church. Acco”
- Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), Section 266: Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ's, and do minister by his commission and authority, we may use their Ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in receiving of the Sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christ's ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God's gifts diminished from such as by faith and rightly do r”