Lesson 6 - What Is Sin? (Cont'd.) ^{(Text Version)}

How To Evaluate a Practice Whether It Is Sin Or Not:

1. What does the Bible say about it?
2. Is there a Bible principle being violated?
3. Is it in harmony with the spirit of the world or the Holy Spirit?
4. Does it come from or promote spirituality or carnality?
5. Did the practice originate with good and godly people or with bad and sinful people?
6. Does the practice promote godliness, better or worse morals, carelessness, reverence or fear of God?
7. What are the leanings or tendencies of most of the people who approve the practice?
8. Do most of the people who do this have other questionable or sinful practices?

Who Was the First To Sin Against God?

Lucifer, who got pride in his heart, rebelled against God and became Satan. Satan means adversary or enemy. He became the enemy of God and has tried to make all people enemies against God. See Ezekiel 28:11-19 and Isaiah 14:12-17.

What Are the Results of Sin?

1. Death, both physical and spiritual. This includes sickness and all kinds of suffering that we see in the world today, as well.
2. A depraved nature that has a built-in tendency to sin and rebellion. See Genesis 6:1-7. Conditions are similar today.
3. Guilt and shame. How did Adam and Eve act after they sinned?
4. Separation from God. Adam and Eve were put out of their garden home that God had prepared for them. Sin still separates man from having fellowship with God and getting his prayers answered. See Isaiah 59:1-2.
5. Eternal separation from God and all that is holy, in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is called the second death. See Revelation 20:11-15.

We will explain briefly today and more fully next week in our lesson on forgiveness. Briefly, God has made a way through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. He paid the full penalty for the guilt of our sins. If we will accept Jesus Christ, God's provision, God has promised, because of what Jesus has already done, He will forgive all our sins and give us everlasting life. We must repent (sorrow over our sins and turn away from them) and place our life and trust in Jesus Christ. He will then blot out and forgive every sin that we have ever committed. He will "save us." Then, even if Jesus returns today or if we should die today, we can go to heaven and be saved for ever and ever.

"Please tell me more."