sin(2/2)
What is sin
I’ve heard that the common definition of sin is “to miss the mark.” There’s a target, a perfect legal standard, and when we fail to live up to the standard we’ve committed sin. But is that accurate? There are two strikes against this definition. First, the word is introduced in Genesis 4:7, not as a legal requirement, but on analogy to a wild animal crouching before Cain, ready to pounce and kill him.…
The forces of evil work from within and without
The forces of evil are able to work from within as well as without. There is much misunderstanding about this in the Church as well as in the world; it is widely believed and taught that through various spiritual practices one can gain access to an untainted center at the core of being. This is not orthodox Christian belief and it certainly is not Tolkien’s belief; hence his emphasis on the demonic element within.…
Freedom from spiritual enslavers
In both the Exodus story and Jesus' resurrection there was a defeat of the spirit powers; the gods of Egypt and the prince of this world. Jesus' victory changes no geopolitical boundaries and produces no visible earthly dominion, but it is on analogy with Israel’s flight from Egypt as the ultimate redemption from oppression. One implication of this news is that the invisible powers are the truest enslavers and root source of humanity’s failure to live as image bearers (not that we bear no responsibility, but as those who are coerced, not “free agents”).…
The opposite of sin can only be faith and never virtue
The opposite of sin can only be faith, and never virtue. (Quoting H.A. Williams)