SIN AND NATURE?
Updated: Nov 24, 2022
Many professed Christian theologians and churches believe the erroneous view that your human nature is Sin. God created a human nature that was undefiled, pure and sinless and this nature was tainted by Adam's sin, and being tainted by sin is henceforth described as sinful, fallen human nature.
To define human Nature as sin and the converse that Sin, the very thing itself, is HUMAN NATURE or your CONDITION or STATE creates a few problems as we will see.
This webpage will consider the following:
What is Human Nature?
What is Sin?
The impact of sin on human nature.
Origin of sin?
Is [human] nature sin?
Is sin an act of transgression?
The Bible definition of sin?
The effects of Adam’s sin?
Are Babies BORN sinners?
What is the definition of a sinner?
Do babies go to hell at death?
Why do babies die?
The Sanctuary service & "Nature is Sin”?
WHAT IS SIN?
There are three options with only one being the truth.
Human NATURE (State or Condition) is sin.
Sin is the ACT of transgressing God’s law. 1John 3:4
Combination of (1) & (2)
We will cut to the chase and categorically state that Sin is an ACT of Transgression, the transgression of God's Law. This act is occasioned in the mind itself before it is even manifested outwardly and indeed may never be manifested at all. Matthew 5:28
NATURE (ANGELIC OR HUMAN) AND SIN
Nature, whether angelic or human was created by God.
These natures were pure, undefiled, holy, sinless.
The angels with pure natures did something called Sin. 2Peter 2:4
The angels by choice committed an ACT of transgression.
It was never IN their nature to sin, they chose to sin
Like the angels, Adam & Eve were created with pure natures.
They too did something called Sin. Isaiah 43:27
It wasn't their nature that made them sin, but a conscious ACT on their part.
They chose to sin, to commit an act of transgression.
Hence the angels and man tainted their natures by the act of sinning.
Those that fell now possessed what we call sinful or fallen natures.
It goes to follow that NATURE & SIN are completely separate entities
Neither defines the other.
The act of Sinning tainted a NATURE that was never Sin in the first place.
Hence UNFALLEN angelic nature committed an ACT of transgression called SIN
FALLEN angelic nature commits ACTS of transgression called SIN
UNFALLEN human nature committed an ACT of transgression called SIN
FALLEN human nature commits ACTS of transgression called SIN
Sin is not nature, sin is what nature did.
NATURE (the make-up of the individual whether angelic or human) predated SIN.
Hence there is a clear distinction between NATURE (the person) and SIN, the thing the person did or does.
WHAT IS NATURE?
LUCIFER'S NATURE
Sin had its origin in heaven with a created angelic being called Lucifer. He was the covering cherub who chose to go against God. Sin is a mystery. It cannot be explained.
Lucifer was created perfect in all his ways until iniquity (sin) was found in him - Ezekiel 28:15. His nature was good, holy, righteous. He was magnificent to look at and every precious stone was his covering including the sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle and gold. His heart was lifted up because of his beauty and he corrupted his mind because of his brightness.
“Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.... Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:12-15. DD 1.5 GC 493.3 (1911)
The Bible says:
Lucifer's physical form was "perfect in beauty"
Lucifer's intellect was "full of wisdom"
Lucifer's moral nature was "perfect in all his ways"
ANGELIC NATURE IS THREEFOLD
Physical form
Intellectual powers
Moral powers.
It was perfect, pure, holy and good.
“Before this earth was called into being, God’s law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, and in order for earth to be in harmony with heaven, man also must obey the divine statutes. To man in Eden Christ made known the precepts of the law “when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. ….…” { MB 48.1}
SIN BEGAN IN HEAVEN WITH LUCIFER'S FALL
"Before this earth was called into being, God's law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, ..." {AG102.2 - God's Amazing Grace}
Lucifer's sin was that He coveted something which did not belong to him. He wanted to be like the Most High. Isaiah 14:14. But the commandment said, "thou shalt not covet" and Lucifer coveted and in that he sinned.
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:12-14
“…God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” 2Peter 2:4, Rev 12:9
"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." 1John 3:8
LUCIFER"S CHOICE
“Commiteth sin” - 1John 3:8
From the Greek, “Poieo”
- a verb
1 - to make
11 - to do
“Sinneth” - 1John 3:8
From the Greek, “harmatano”
- a verb
to be without a share in
to miss the mark
To err, be mistaken
To miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honor, to do or go wrong
To wander from the law of God, violate God’s law, sin
Lucifer committed an ACT of transgression despite his perfect, UNFALLEN angelic NATURE & became a sinner.
SIN IS CHOICE, AN ACT
God “... takes no pleasure in a forced allegiance, and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service. But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven.” {DD 1.4-5}
“The sinner is such by his own deliberate choice.” {ST March 9, 1882, par. 3}
"The entrance of sin into heaven cannot be explained. If it were explainable, it would show that there was some reason for sin. But as there was not the least excuse for it, its origin will ever remain shrouded in mystery." —The Review and Herald, March 9, 1886. { TA 31.1}
"God did not create evil. He only made the good, which was like Himself.... Evil, sin, and death ... are the result of disobedience, which originated in Satan.—The Review and Herald, August 4, 1910. { TA 31.2}
Sinless natures through choice committed the act of transgression and thus sin resulted in separation from God.
WAR IN HEAVEN - SEPARATION FROM GOD
Sin at its first entrance into God's universe was an action committed by a being whose nature was perfect and sinless and with that first act of transgression his nature became evil, fallen, sinful. Other angels followed Lucifer's course of action and sinned against God - 2Peter 2:4
Here we have a situation where angels who were created with perfect natures DID something called sin, they transgressed the law of God.
Therefore, every discussion concerning HUMAN NATURE and the definition of SIN must find its place at sin's first entrance, at its very commencement - a wilful act of transgression by one whose nature was perfect. Sin, therefore, has nothing whatsoever to do with one's nature, and cannot be defined by an individual's state or condition.
"It is impossible to explain the origin of sin, or to give a reason for its existence. It is an intruder, for whose existence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it, is to defend it. Could it be excused, could a cause be shown for its existence, it would cease to be sin. Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is "the transgression of the law." {4SP 316.2}
The consequence of that first sin was devastating. The scripture records it thus in Rev 12:9:
"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Rev 12:7-9
GOD CREATES HUMAN NATURE
“And God said let us make man in our image…. So the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 1:26, 2:7
HUMAN NATURE IS THREEFOLD
Physical form
Intellectual power - mind
Moral power - mind
It was perfect, pure, holy and good
God created human nature. The NATURE of man is threefold and consists of the PHYSICAL body and the INTELLECTUAL and MORAL powers of the mind.
"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." Genesis 1:31
“The nature of man is threefold, and the training enjoined by Solomon comprehends the right development of the physical, intellectual, and moral powers.” {FE 57.1}
ADAM'S HUMAN NATURE
Adam had the advantage over Christ, in that when he was assailed by the tempter, none of the effects of sin were upon him. He stood in the strength of perfect manhood, possessing the full vigor of mind and body. Ms. 113, 1902, pp. 1, 2 (See DA 117). {17MR 28.4}
THE TEST
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:15-17
SINLESS HUMAN NATURE SUCCUMBS TO TEMPTATION & SINS
Adam and Eve, like the angels failed to keep God's commandments. Despite pure and holy natures they too committed an act of transgression and failed the test God had for them.
Note the actions in the verse:
She SAW the tree
She TOOK the fruit
She ATE the fruit
She GAVE the fruit to her husband.
He did EAT the fruit
They both committed an ACT of transgression (sin) and with that act, their natures - the physical, intellectual and moral powers of their makeup became fallen, sinful, evil, depraved, carnal etc. They had tainted the original human nature God had created, by their sin. A further consequence of their sin was, they now possessed physical bodies that were mortal and subject to death. They both began to die that day.
SIN IS YOUR OWN ACT
It is Satan’s act to tempt you, but your own act to yield. It is not in the power of all the host of Satan to force the tempted to transgress. There is no excuse for sin. { MYP 430.1}
“However great the pressure brought upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil. However severe or unexpected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in His strength we may conquer. { EP 294.2 }
“No matter how severe the pressure brought to bear upon you, sin is your own act. The seat of the difficulty is the unrenewed heart. { AH 331.1}
“The sinner is such by his own deliberate choice.” {ST March 9, 1882, par. 3}
THE WILL - THE GOVERNING POWER
“The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the deciding power, which works in the children of men unto obedience to God, or unto disobedience.” { CG 209.1}
“…. The will is ... the power of decision, or choice.”
{ CG 209.2}
What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him. { SC 47.1}
“Every human being possessed of reason has power to choose the right. In every experience of life God’s word to us is, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15. Everyone may place his will on the side of the will of God, may choose to obey Him, and by thus linking himself with divine agencies, he may stand where nothing can force him to do evil.In every youth, every child, lies the power, by the help of God, to form a character of integrity and to live a life of usefulness. { CG 209.3}
"As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings." — Christ’s Object Lessons, 331-333. { RC 298.5}
ADAM & EVE SUCCUMBS TO SIN BY DELIBERATE CHOICE
He expels the guilty pair from the garden. The law says the penalty of sin is death, and they have brought on themselves, by deliberate choice, the loss of eternal life. The course of God toward the rebellious has not changed. There is no way back to innocence and life except through repentance for having transgressed God’s law, and faith in the merits of the divine sacrifice, who has suffered for your transgressions of the past; and you are accepted in the Beloved on condition of obedience to the commandments of your Creator. { ST December 15, 1887, par. 4 }
DEFINITION OF A SINNER
NOAH WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY - 1928
SINNER, n.
1. One that has voluntarily violated the divine law; a moral agent who has voluntarily disobeyed any divine precept, or neglected any known duty.
2. It is used in contradistinction to saint, to denote an unregenerate person; one who has not received the pardon of his sins.
3. AN offender; a criminal.
DEFINITION OF GUILT
NOAH WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY - 1928
GUILT, n. gilt.
1. Criminality; that state of a moral agent which results from his actual commission of a crime or offense, knowing it to be a crime, or violation of law. To constitute guilt there must be a moral agent enjoying freedom of will,and capable of distinguishing between right and wrong, and a wilful or intentional violation of a known law, or rule of duty. The guilt of a person exists, as soon as the crime is committed; but to evince it to others, it must be proved by confession, or conviction in due course of law. Guilt renders a person a debtor to the law, as it binds him to pay a penalty in money or suffering. Guilt therefore implies both criminality and liableness to punishment. Guilt may proceed either from a positive act or breach of law, or from voluntary neglect of known duty.
2. Criminality in a political or civil view; exposure to forfeiture or other penalty.
A ship incurs guilt by the violation of a blockade.
3. Crime; offense.
A few conditions need to be in place for guilt to exist:
There has to be a moral agent
The commission of a crime or offense
Knowing it to be a crime, or violation of law.
A moral agent enjoying freedom of will
Moral agent capable of distinguishing between right and wrong
A wilful or intentional violation of a known law
Guilt exists, as soon as the crime is committed;
Guilt renders a person a debtor to the law
Guilt binds him or her to pay a penalty in money or suffering.
Guilt therefore implies both criminality and liableness to punishment.
Guilt may proceed either from a positive act or breach of law
Guilt - from a voluntary neglect of known duty.
SIN
THE FACT ABOUT SIN IS THAT IT IS AN ACT OF TRANSGRESSION
"A terrible doom awaits the sinner, and therefore it is necessary that we know what sin is, in order that we may escape from its power. John says, Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law" (1John 3:4). Here we have the true definition of sin; it is the transgression of the law." How often the sinner is urged to leave his sins, and come to Jesus; but has the messenger who would lead him to Christ clearly pointed out the way? Has he clearly pointed out the fact that "sin is the transgression of the law," and that he must repent and forsake the breaking of God's commandments? ... [FW 117.2]
"It is not in the power of Satan to force anyone to sin. Sin is the sinner's individual act. Before sin exists in the heart, THE CONSENT OF THE WILL MUST BE GIVEN,and as soon as it is given, sin is triumphant, and hell rejoices. But there is no excuse for sin, either great or little. E.G.W, The Signs of the Times, 12-18-93.
THE NATURE OF SIN
"I dwelt a few moments upon the nature of sin; that sin was the transgression of the law,and how through repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ the sinner might be saved with a full and free salvation. But he is not saved by the merits of the blood of Christ while he continues to transgress the Father's law. . . . Christ died to evidence to the sinner that there was no hope for him while he continued in sin. Obedience to all God's requirements is his only hope for pardon through the blood of Christ. I dwelt largely upon the great reward to be given the final overcomer--the crown of life that fadeth not away to be placed upon his brow." {UL 189.5}
THERE IS NO OTHER DEFINITION OF SIN
There is no definition given in our world but that transgression is the transgression of the law; and therefore he finds out what sin is. And there is repentance toward God; and what then?—why, faith toward our Lord and SaviourJesus Christ that can speak pardon to the transgressor. “ { 1SAT 121.2 }
1JOHN 3:4
The true definition of sin.
The only definition of sin.
Is the fact, that defines sin.
The nature of sin.
There is no other definition of sin.
The nature of angels or man whether sinless or fallen does not define sin. Sin was an ACT committed by both natures, therefore, sin cannot be defined as nature, a state or condition. Nature predated sin & succumbed to temptation & committed the ACT of transgression.
THE DEFINITION OF A SINNER
A TRANSGRESSOR OF GOD'S LAW
"Man's conscience has become hardened by sin, and his understanding darkened by transgression, and his judgment has become confused as to what is sin. He has become benumbed by the influence of iniquity, and it is essential that his conscience be aroused to understand that sin is the transgression of God's holy law. He who does not obey the commandments of God is a sinner in the sight of God. [ST June 20, 1895, par 5]
Sin is the act of transgressing God's law. All are agreed that babies have not transgressed the law. Babies do not commit sin. They do not know good and evil. As we will see some have charged that babies are born sinners. That they are not fit to live.
The word sinner is a noun and has the following meaning in Noah Websters 1828 dictionary:
1. One that has voluntarily violated the divine law; a moral agent who has voluntarily disobeyed any divine precept, or neglected any known duty.
2. It is used in contradistinction to saint, to denote an unregenerate person; one who has not received the pardon of his sins.
3. AN offender; a criminal.
There is no other meaning for the word "sinner" except that given to it by theologians and individuals who disregard or pay lip service to the law of God.
The testimony is consistent with the meaning of the word sinner - "He who does not obey the commandments of God is a sinner in the sight of God.” {ST, June 20, 1895 par. 5}
Babies cannot by any stretch of the imagination fit the above meanings for the word sinner. The charge that babies are sinners deserving of death and unfit to live is, therefore, a false one straight from the wine of Babylon. Babies are innocent of the charge. They are classed as "innocents" in the plan of salvation.
WHY DO BABIES DIE OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER?
Babies die as a result of inheriting from fallen Adam a MORTAL body.
Babies die but NOT by the cunningly devised fable that they are sinners.
Babies are innocent of any charge.
Babies NEED a saviour despite being innocent of any charge.
Babies need to be rescued from the death occasioned by a mortal body.
The innocent cannot be left in the grave by a God who is just.
Jesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life is that saviour.
THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW
As already seen sin is the transgression of God's law regardless of whether NATURE (angelic or human) is SINLESS or SINFUL.
“He must convince the transgressor that he is a sinner, because “sin is the transgression of the law.” {CTr 247.2}
“We have found that this wicked power that rules us is anarchy, sin. But is sin a personality? Is sin itself a person?—No; sin comes from a person.” {May 6, 1902 ATJ, ARSH 11.10}
It is not in the power of Satan to force anyone to sin. Sin is the sinner's individual act. BEFORE SIN EXISTS in the heart,THE CONSENT OF THE WILL MUST BE GIVEN, and as soon as it is given, sin is triumphant, and hell rejoices. But there is no excuse for sin, either great or little. EGW, The Signs of the Times, 12-18-93.
JOHN 8:3-11 - CAUGHT IN THE VERY ACT
The situation in John 8:3-11 is a classic for the act of sin.
"And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very ACT. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:3-11
The woman (and man whom they did not accuse) was caught in the very act of unlawful intercourse. Someone had spied on them and reported her. She had transgressed the law which said, "Thou shalt not commit adultery", the penalty of which was death.
Notice how Jesus associates this act of adultery with sin when he asks the accusers of the woman - "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" and then he tells the woman, "go and sin no more". In this scenario sin is illustrated as an action committed and visible outwardly. Jesus then tells the woman to "go and sin no more".
However, Jesus also taught using the same example of adultery, that sin is an action which can be committed in the mind without any outward visible manifestation. In both instances sin is an ACTION. Notice in the above illustration, the accusers of the woman were "convicted by their own conscience", that they too were just as much sinners as the woman. Maybe some had even lusted after this very same woman. Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matt 5:27,28.
MATTHEW 5:27,28
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matt 5:27,28.
"LOOKETH"
Strong's Number 991
Original Word Word Origin
blevpw a primary word
1
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Blepo 5:315,706
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
blep'-o Verb
Definition
metaph. to see with the mind's eye
a. to have (the power of) understanding
b. to discern mentally, observe, perceive, discover, understand
c. to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully, examine in a geographical sense of places, mountains, buildings, etc. turning towards any quarter, as it were, facing it
"LUST AFTER"
Strong's Number 1937
Original Word Word Origin
ejpiqumevw from (1909) and (2372)
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Epithumeo 3:168,339
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
ep-ee-thoo-meh'-o Verb
Definition
1. to turn upon a thing
2. to have a desire for, long for, to desire
3. to lust after, covet
a. of those who seek things forbidden
"HEART"
Strong's Number: 2588
Original Word Word Origin
kardiva prolonged from a primary kar (Latin, cor, "heart")
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Kardia 3:605,415
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
kar-dee'-ah Noun Feminine
Definition
1. the heart
a. that organ in the animal body which is the centre of the circulation of the blood, and hence was regarded as the seat of physical life
b. denotes the centre of all physical and spiritual life
c. the vigour and sense of physical life
d. the centre and seat of spiritual life
1. the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavours
2. of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence
3. of the will and character
4. of the soul so far as it is affected and stirred in a bad way or good, or of the soul as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions
e. of the middle or central or inmost part of anything, even though inanimate
THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
“looketh”: to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully,
“lust after”: to have a desire for, long for, to desire to lust after, covet, of those who seek things forbidden.
“heart”: the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavours
1. of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence
THE "THOUGHT" IS AN ACTION OF THE MIND
THOUGHT, a. thaut. [primarily the passive participle of think, supra.]
1. Properly, that which the mind thinks. Thought is either the act or operation of the mind, when attending to a particular subject or thing or it is the idea consequent on that operation.
We say, a man's thoughts are employed on government, on religion, on trade or arts, or his thoughts are employed on his dress or his means of living. By this we mean that the mind is directed to that particular subject or object; that is, according to the literal import of the verb think, the mind, the intellectual part of man, is set upon such an object, it holds it in view or contemplation, or it extends to it, it stretches to it.
Thought cannot be superadded to matter, so as in any sense to render it true that matter can become cogitative.”
An impure thought TOLERATED, an unholy desire CHERISHED, and the soul is contaminated, its integrity compromised. ‘Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.’ If we would not commit sin, we must shun its very beginnings. Every emotion and desire must be held in subjection to reason and conscience. Every unholy thought must be instantly repelled.” E.G. White, Testimonies Vol. 5, p177.
Hence even at the place of its origin in the mind, SIN is still an ACT or transgression.