What Is Sin And Where It Came From

Read

1 John 3:4 "Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness."

Romans 5:12 "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned."

Think

Sin. It’s a word that has been with humanity since the beginning, a reality that shapes our world and our lives. C.S. Lewis once said, “The sin, both of men and of angels, was rendered possible by the fact that God gave them free will.” Sin is not just a mistake; it’s a deliberate choice to turn away from God’s will. Sin is any failure to conform to God’s moral law in our actions, thoughts, or even our nature.

The origins of sin trace back to the very first humans, Adam and Eve, who, in an act of disobedience, chose to define good and evil on their own terms rather than trust God. Sin is more than just eating forbidden fruit; it was humanity’s first attempt to live independently of God, bringing sin and death into the world. This original sin has since tainted every aspect of our existence, corrupting our thoughts, desires, and actions.

Sin is not just breaking the rules; it’s breaking relationship with God. It’s a fundamental distortion of the good that God intended for us. Sin separates us from God, creating a chasm that we cannot bridge on our own. But in God’s great mercy, he sent Jesus to overcome sin, to bridge that chasm, and to restore our relationship with him.

As we consider what sin truly is and where it comes from, let this understanding draw us closer to God’s grace. Sin is serious, but God’s love is greater. Through Christ, we are offered forgiveness, healing, and the power to live in freedom from sin.

Apply

Is there an area where you may have turned from God’s will and plan for your life? It could be in your thoughts, actions, or even desires. Identify it and ask God for forgiveness. Bring it to him and ask him for strength to overcome it.

Pray

Lord, I come before you acknowledging the sin in my life—the times I’ve chosen my own way over yours. I confess that I’ve tried to define good and evil on my terms, and it’s led me away from you. Thank you for your incredible grace and the gift of Jesus, who bridges the gap that sin has created between us. I ask for your forgiveness and for the strength to turn away from sin. Help me to walk in the freedom and healing you offer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.