Law, Sin, and Grace

  • Law, Sin, and Grace (Contents)

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    Part I – Introduction and Definition Part II – The Nature of Sin Part III – The Classification of Sin Part IV – Sin in Relation to Realms and Beings Part V – The Consequences of Sin Part VI – The Revelation and Recognition of Sin Part VII – Deliverance…

  • Part I – Introduction and Definition

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    1. Etymology and Terminology of Sin 1.1 Hebrew and Greek Roots The biblical terms for sin convey the notion of deviation from a divinely defined standard.In the Hebrew Bible, the principal word is ḥaṭṭā’th (חַטָּאָה), derived from the verb ḥāṭā’—“to miss the mark” (Strong, 1990). It implies failing to meet…

  • Part II – The Nature of Sin

    3. Philosophical and Theological Nature 3.1 Sin as Rebellion, Corruption and Privation The essence of sin lies in the rejection of divine authority. Scripture defines it as lawlessness (anomia)—a deliberate refusal to submit to God’s rule (1 John 3:4). Sin is therefore not an external defect but an inward revolt…

  • Part III – The Classification of Sin

    5. Individual and Personal Sin 5.1 Sins of Commission and Omission Personal sin refers to deliberate human acts that violate God’s revealed will.Theologians commonly distinguish between sins of commission—the conscious doing of what is forbidden—and sins of omission—the failure to do what is commanded (James 4:17). Both forms express moral…

  • Part IV – Sin in Relation to Realms and Beings

    8. Sin against God (Vertical Dimension) 8.1 Violation of Divine Holiness All sin is first and foremost theological—a rupture in relationship with the Holy God. King David confessed, “Against You, You alone, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:4 NRSV). Though his transgression harmed others, he recognised that every offence ultimately violates…

  • Part V – The Consequences of Sin

    11. Spiritual Consequences 11.1 Separation from God The primary consequence of sin is alienation from God. Isaiah declares, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God” (Isaiah 59:2 NRSV). This separation is not geographical but relational—loss of communion between Creator and creature. Augustine (1998) defined this state as aversio Dei…

  • Part VI – The Revelation and Recognition of Sin

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    14. The Law as Mirror 14.1 Purpose of the Ten Commandments The moral law—epitomised in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:1–17)—reveals God’s holiness and humanity’s deviation from it. The Law was never intended primarily as a means of salvation but as a disclosure of divine righteousness. Paul declares, “The law is holy,…

  • Part VII – Deliverance and Restoration

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    16. The Role of the Mediator (Christ) 16.1 Fulfilment of the Law Jesus Christ stands at the centre of redemption because He fulfilled what the Law demanded but humanity could not accomplish. He declared, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have…

  • Part VIII – Conclusion

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    18. Summary of the Doctrine of Sin 18.1 Sin as Universal Condition The biblical and theological witness affirms the universality of sin: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NRSV). Sin is both a condition inherited from Adam and a continuing reality expressed through…