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What is Sin?
B.--Without attempting at the moment a formal definition of sin, it would be a great step
forward to know of any passages of Scripture where the words "Sin is . . . . ." occur. We
have the following, the first of which we have had before us already:--
"SIN IS iniquity, or lawlessness" (I John 3: 4).
"All unrighteousness IS SIN" (I John 5: 17).
Whatsoever is not of faith IS SIN" (Rom. 14: 23).
Here are three statements, and in each case we find the negative. Sin is the great
negation of law, of right, of faith. How then can it be of God?
What is the end of Sin?
The following Scriptures give us the end of sin:--
"The wages of sin is DEATH" (Rom. 6: 23).
"Sin when it is fully consummated (concordant version) bringeth forth DEATH"
(James 1: 15).
"By one man sin entered into the world and DEATH by sin" (Rom. 5: 12).
Satan is called by a title which means "The Slanderer". A dictionary meaning of
slander is:--
"A false report maliciously uttered, and tending to injure the reputation of another."
In Gen. 3: Satan's slander (or false report) maliciously uttered is:--
(1). Death is not the result of sin.
(2). Sin is a means of greater blessing.
A part of his statement is true. By sin man did learn good and evil, but he lost power
to enjoy and use it, for he became involved in death. Satan could have added many more
blessings had he chosen to do so, but they would all have proved as false by the simple
fact that sin leads to and ends in DEATH. Had Satan wanted plausible argument
ready-made to quiet any qualms in the conscience of Eve, he would have found them in
the words:--
"Sin will eventually change the universe from cold, independent creatures, into a
loving family circle, and God from a distant Creator into an affectionate Father."
What is this but to transfer the crown from the Saviour's brow and place it upon that
of sin? Satan's initial lie is repeated by your teachers, namely, that death is not the end of
sin. God says it is. That is scriptural and rational. You say and Satan says, No, sin will
eventually be justified, vindicated, and found to be the essential element in bringing
creation to its goal of glory.
A.--Does it not seem very uncharitable to place godly men and earnest Bible students
upon the same level as demons?