Hamartiology

1. Definition of Sin
   
   

   • Missing God's standard of perfection: Anything which is contrary to the holy character of God. (Rom. 3:23)
     
     

2. The Origin of Sin.
   
   A. Sin was originally found in Satan. (Ezek. 28:15)
   
   B. Sin entered the human race in the garden of Eden, when Eve distrusted the goodness of God, believing the lie of Satan. Eve actually sinned before she ate the fruit, when she coveted wisdom that was not intended for her. (Matt. 5:21, 22) Adam, because of his love for Eve, deliberately chose to disobey God by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. (Gen. 3:6)
    

3. The Results of Sin

   1. Before the fall, man was not only innocent, but holy. When Adam fell, his very nature was corrupted. The sinful, fallen nature that Adam acquired in the garden, has been passed on to the entire human race. (Rom. 5:19; Psalm 14:1-3)
       

   2. Man's sin resulted in his being alienated from God. The intimate fellowship that he once enjoyed with his Creator was lost.
      (Gen. 3:8; 3:22-24)
       

   3. All mankind sinned in Adam, and through his sin, death passed upon all men.  (Rom. 5:12)
       

   4. Death is both physical (Gen. 5:5) , and spiritual. (John 8:24)

      1. Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body.
         (2 Cor. 5:6-8)
          

      2. Spiritual death is the separation of man's soul from God. (Rev. 20:11-15)
          

   5. Because of man's sin, the earth is cursed with thorns and thistles, resulting in difficult labor. (Gen. 3:17-19; Rom. 8:21, 22)
       

   6. Because of man's sin, women are cursed with pain and difficulty in child bearing. They are also placed in subjection to their husbands. (Gen. 3:16)
       

4. The Remedy for Sin.

   1. The only remedy for sin given in Scripture is forgiveness.
      (I Jn. 1:9; Eph. 2:8-9)
       

   2. Forgiveness removes our guilt. (Psalm 103:12)
       

   3. Forgiveness enables us to be justified before God. (Rom. 3:24)