Sin Defined There are three significant terms in the initial phrase of the text that must be explored. These are: “sin,” “wages,” and “death.” Missing the Mark Sin is represented by various biblical expressions in both Testaments of the Bible. The word itself derives from original terms (Hebrew, hata’; Greek, hamartano), that portray the image of missing a mark, or target (cf. Judges 20:16; Romans 3:23). These words imply several things: (a) There is a target or standard of spiritual and moral excellence at which one must aim. (b) As fallible human beings, we frequently miss the standard—either purposely or through ignorance (cf. Hebrews 9:7, ASVfn). In either case, we sin, and sin condemns—even if it is only one sin (James 1:15; note the definite article [ASV]). Rebellion A rebellious temperament is the root of many a sin. The prophet Samuel declared, “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim” (1 Samuel 15:23). Jeremiah once described the disposition of wayward Israel as follows: “They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words” (11:10). One cannot but be reminded of the hardened Jews whom Stephen encountered, and who, rather than reverently consider his teaching, “stopped their ears,” then murdered God’s messenger (Acts 7:57-59). Neglect Sin is more than simply doing wrong, it also embraces the idea of purposefully neglecting one’s duty to the Creator. James expressed it in this fashion: “He who knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:17). One scholar has observed that those here in view “cannot take refuge in the plea that they have done nothing positively wrong; as Scripture makes abundantly clear, sins of omission are as real and serious as sins of *commission*” (Moo 1985, 158) So many are known to whine, “I know I should, but I’m just weak.” The rationalization of weakness will not produce forgiveness. There must be an appropriate seeking of pardon and a serious attempt to change one’s conduct. Presumption David once petitioned the Lord: “Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be upright, and I shall be clear from great transgression” (Psalm 19:13). Several things may be said regarding this sobering text: (a) The presumptuous sin appears to be in contrast to the hidden faults mentioned just previously. The former are sins committed in ignorance; who could possibly keep up with the slips he makes unawares? These are sins nonetheless, and require forgiveness. (b) Presumptuous sins, however, are of a different sort. The original Hebrew term is undergirded by such ideas as the “haughty” attitude of one who is "insolent” and who “scorns” the sovereignty and authority of God (cf. Brown, Driver, and Briggs 1981, 267).
Posted on: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 22:39:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015