Using Cultural Consultants in Bible Teaching and Illustrations
The biblical concept of sin encompasses a range of actions and attitudes that stand in opposition to God's will, leading to separation from Him. Scripture presents sin not merely as isolated acts but as a fundamental human condition and a state of rebellion.
One aspect of sin is its origin in human nature. All human beings are born with a sinful nature [1]. This inherent inclination toward sin is evident from birth, as noted in Psalm 51:5 [1]. Even after conversion, a corrupt old nature can still adhere to individuals, leading to the commission of actual sins [7]. The first sin, committed by Adam and Eve, is described not just as eating forbidden fruit, but as a profound act of self-love, dishonor to God, ingratitude, disobedience, and a preference for the creature over the Creator [4].
Sin manifests in various forms. It includes "vanity," which encompasses all sorts of sinful acts [2]. Deliberate sins are often characterized by an insolent or arrogant attitude, reflecting rebellion against God [5]. The Apostle Paul extensively discusses universal sinfulness in Romans 1:18–3:20, arguing that both Gentiles and Jews are under sin's power and cannot earn God's favor through their own actions [6]. God's anger is presented as a necessary and holy response to sin, not merely a spontaneous emotional outburst [6].
The New Testament further clarifies the nature of sin. In 1 John, the one who commits sin is described as being "of the devil," in contrast to those who practice righteousness [3]. Augustine, as cited in a commentary on 1 John, explains that while one can be "born of God," the devil does not "beget" anyone; rather, imitation of the devil makes one a child of the devil [3]. This suggests that sin involves aligning oneself with the devil's ways, which have existed "from the beginning" of any sinful act [3].
The consequences of sin are significant. It creates a barrier between humanity and God, necessitating divine intervention for reconciliation. The concept of sin also highlights the need for a savior, as humanity cannot overcome its sinful condition through its own efforts [6]. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's plan to address sin and offer redemption.
Sources
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”