Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "progressive sin" refers to the idea that sin can develop and intensify over time, leading individuals further away from God and deeper into moral and spiritual decay. This progression is often depicted in Scripture as a gradual hardening of the heart and a deepening of rebellion against God's commandments.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the progressive nature of sin. One of the clearest depictions is found in the Book of James, where the apostle describes the process of temptation leading to sin and ultimately to death: "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" (
James 1:14-15). This passage highlights the progression from desire to sin, and finally to spiritual death.
Old Testament ExamplesThe Old Testament offers several narratives that demonstrate the progressive nature of sin. The account of Cain and Abel in
Genesis 4 is an early example. Cain's initial jealousy and anger towards his brother Abel eventually lead to murder. God's warning to Cain, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it" (
Genesis 4:7), underscores the potential for sin to grow if not addressed.
Another example is King David's sin with Bathsheba, as recorded in
2 Samuel 11. David's initial lustful glance led to adultery, deceit, and ultimately murder. This narrative illustrates how unchecked sin can escalate and result in severe consequences.
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament continues to address the progressive nature of sin. The Apostle Paul warns believers about the dangers of allowing sin to reign in their lives: "Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires" (
Romans 6:12). Paul emphasizes the importance of resisting sin's influence to prevent its growth and dominance.
In
Ephesians 4:18-19, Paul describes the Gentiles as being "darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more" . This passage illustrates how sin can progressively harden hearts and lead to a deeper entrenchment in sinful behavior.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the progressive nature of sin underscores the need for vigilance and repentance. Sin is not static; it seeks to grow and dominate. The Bible calls believers to be aware of sin's deceitfulness and to take proactive steps to guard against its encroachment.
Hebrews 3:13 warns, "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness" .
Practical ApplicationUnderstanding the progressive nature of sin has practical implications for Christian living. Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant, to confess and repent of sin promptly, and to seek accountability within the community of faith. The Apostle John provides assurance of forgiveness and cleansing for those who confess their sins: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1
John 1:9).
In summary, the concept of progressive sin serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for sin to grow and entrench itself in the life of a believer. The biblical call is to resist sin's progression through the power of the Holy Spirit, maintaining a life of holiness and obedience to God.
Nave's Topical Index
Deuteronomy 29:19And it come to pass, when he hears the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of my heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
Nave's Topical Index1 Kings 16:31
And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
Nave's Topical Index
Isaiah 5:18
Woe to them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
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Isaiah 30:1
Woe to the rebellious children, said the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
Nave's Topical Index
Jeremiah 9:3
And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth on the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, said the LORD.
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Jeremiah 16:11,12
Then shall you say to them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, said the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law;
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Hosea 13:2
And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.
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2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Meaning ofSin, and the Revelation of the True Self
... is important that we should arrive at some clearer understanding of the nature of
sin.... of the Thought of God by the Spirit of God is aprogressive realisation...
1 John i. 9, 10
... emphatic expression: "from all unrighteousness." We cannot but perceive that a
distinction is here made between forgiveness ofsin, and theprogressive work of...
The Beginning of Justification. In what SenseProgressive.
... IN WHAT SENSEPROGRESSIVE.... end which the divine wisdom prescribes, although from
the performance the act seems good, yet from the perverse motive it issin....
Christ CondemningSin
... to humanity of the Spirit which sanctifies as being part of His condemnation of
sin in the... The dominion of that imparted Spirit is gradual andprogressive....
"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because ofSin, but the...
... The life as well as the light of the righteous isprogressive.... confinement to the
soul, and often loathsome and ugly through the filthiness ofsin, but when...
1 John ii. 1
... All which he had said to them respecting thesin still cleaving to the christian,
and of theprogressive redemption from it for which they may hope, has had...
Sanctification.
... and complete; sanctification being a work in which man has a share, isprogressive.
Justification takes away the guilt ofsin; sanctification gradually takes...
James i. 12-15
... tosin. He then lays open the fountain of temptation in man's own bosom, and describes
the process by which the sinful tendency gains ground inprogressive...
Walking in the Light
... That worksprogressive cleansing.... remember John's 'if.' The 'blood of Jesus will
progressively cleanse us until it has cleansed us from allsin,' on condition...
1 John iii. 8
... the Apostle derives allsin from the devil, and in allsin recognizes the... Christ's
appearing he sees the influence of that kingdom, theprogressive working of...
Resources
What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the worst sin? | GotQuestions.orgSin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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