Preface
Several years ago, I listened to a teaching series titled, “Sin, Grace, and Newness of Life.” This title serves to summarize the trajectory of being alienated from God to living in unity with God. As the teacher noted, when mentioning to others the topic of sin, they woul respond, “Why do you want to dwell on that topic?” Likewise, I might expect a similar response, “Why write a book about sin?” Rather than dismissing the topic as irrelevant, I thought it might actually be foundational to the Christian walk to have a good grasp of the topic. As I began searching the scriptures and reading various commentaries, as well as listening to other teachings that touched on the topic, I quickly came to the conclusion that there was if not “fog” on the topic at least some vagueness. This book is the result of my personal desire to acquire clarity regarding the topic and I consider it to be more of a resource than a book. Early on, I decided that I needed to set aside any preconceived notions that I might be holding and endeavor to just let God’s word speak for itself. With abundant help from God, I believe I have come to some degree of clarity. I would be a fool to think this is the “final word” on the topic and I make no such claim. Hopefully, it provides a sound basis for understanding the topic and provides a serious Bible student the necessary information for exploring the topic further.
link to pdf: SIN: A Closer Look
Contents
Preface…iii
Introduction…iv
The Word “Sin”…1
The Verb hamartanó…5
The Noun hamartia…7
Personification…8
Metonymy…9
A Tale of Three Sins…12
Regarding the devil…12
Regarding Adam…13
Regarding everyone else…20
Two Deaths…23
The Common Death…23
The Second Death…23
Two Deaths—Two Sins…24
Figurative Deaths…25
Sin as a Condition…27
Sin and Separation…32
Sin and Jesus Christ…34
Sin and Law…43
The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus…50
Under Sin, In Sin, Dead to Sin, Freed from Sin…57
“Under Sin”…57
“In Sin”…59
“Died/Dead to Sin”…64
“Freed from Sin”…66
Flesh is Weak…69
Works of the Flesh…73
The List…77
Summary…78
Sin and the “Helper”…80
Sin and Desire…82
Sin and Enter…87
Sin and Death…90
Sin and Reign…94
Sin and Dwell…99
Sin and Slave…103
Sin and Forgiveness…110
Sin and Heart…118
Sin and Blood…122
The Ten Commandments…125
The “unforgivable” Sin…130
Sin and Atonement1…32
Free Will, Original Sin, Sin Nature…135
Free Will…135
Original Sin…136
Sin Nature…137
Appendix…144
More on “Sin Nature”1…44
eiserchomai—“enter”…146
Concrete vs. Abstract…149
The Jewish Perspective on Sin…150
The “Nature” of Man…150
Regarding Romans 7…150
On Sin…151
Die/Death/Dead…153
Dying You Shall Die…155
Mortal/Corruptible – Immortal/Incorruptible…156
Rulers/Kings…157