Topical Encyclopedia
Sin, in Christian theology, is understood as any thought, word, or deed that goes against the will and law of God. It is a fundamental concept that underscores the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption. The Bible presents sin as a universal condition affecting all of humanity, with the notable exception of Jesus Christ, who is described as being without sin.
The Universality of SinThe Bible clearly states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. In
Romans 3:23 , the Apostle Paul writes, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse encapsulates the pervasive nature of sin, indicating that every human being is inherently sinful and in need of salvation. The concept of original sin, derived from the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), suggests that sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, as explained in
Romans 5:12 : "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned."
Christ's SinlessnessIn stark contrast to the universal sinfulness of humanity, the New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the only person who lived a sinless life. This sinlessness is essential to His role as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Hebrews 4:15 affirms this truth: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." This verse highlights that although Jesus faced temptations similar to those experienced by all humans, He did not succumb to sin.
The sinlessness of Christ is further emphasized in
1 Peter 2:22 , which states, "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth." This passage underscores the purity and righteousness of Jesus, setting Him apart as the unblemished Lamb of God, a necessary qualification for His atoning work on the cross.
The Purpose of Christ's SinlessnessThe sinlessness of Christ is not merely a theological assertion but serves a critical purpose in the plan of salvation. As the spotless Lamb, Jesus was able to offer Himself as a perfect sacrifice, satisfying the righteous requirements of God's law.
2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This verse reveals the profound exchange that took place on the cross, where Christ took upon Himself the sins of humanity, allowing believers to be clothed in His righteousness.
Implications for BelieversThe sinlessness of Christ has profound implications for believers. It assures them of the sufficiency of His sacrifice and the certainty of their salvation.
Hebrews 7:26-27 describes Jesus as "holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself." This passage reassures believers of the completeness and finality of Christ's atoning work.
Furthermore, the sinlessness of Christ serves as a model for Christian living. While believers are not expected to achieve sinlessness in this life, they are called to strive for holiness, relying on the grace and strength provided through their relationship with Christ. 1
John 3:5-6 states, "But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him." This passage encourages believers to abide in Christ, allowing His sinless nature to transform their lives.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Corinthians 5:21For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Torrey's Topical TextbookHebrews 4:15
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 7:26
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 John 3:5
And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Answer to an Objection, Arising from the Words ofChrist (Matt. vi...
... who servesin, but does not certainly callsin itself God... be compared to the Lord:
for not healone, but not... all things were made, who is our Lord JesusChrist....
"And the Blood of JesusChrist his Son Cleanseth us from allSin....
... all our peace with God, pardon ofsin, and fellowship... built,"that the blood of Jesus
Christ be applied... to the reconciling sacrifice, whichalone hath virtue...
On the Necessity of the Christian Religion
... most glorious and most gracious God,alone andwithout... For it pleased the Father,
throughChrist, to reconcile... Wherefore, after the entrance ofsin, there has...
Elucidations.
... the decrease of which the Baptist had spoken prophetically (John 3:30.); and (3.)
it sustains the great principle thatChrist alone iswithout sin, this being...
"And ifChrist be in You, the Body is Dead Because ofSin; but the...
... casting out all idols out of these temples, that healone may be... day, because the
first entry of the Spirit ofChrist is to convince men ofsin, that they...
OnChrist
... there no other remedy for the expiation ofsin, or of... of God, 2. Had the human nature
inChrist any other thing, than substancealone, immediately from...
Sermon.
... is he whose transgression is forgiven, and whosesin is covered... Do you believe in
the Lord JesusChrist, who came... we might be healed:" It is healone that could...
Christ the End of the Law
... gospel; good news of blessing not for thosewithout sin, but for... trustChrist alone
and then live as I like! You cannot live insin after you have trusted Jesus...
Christ and his Apostles,Without any Fraud, Deception, or...
... And to those who imagined that the Demiurgealone was God... who were suffering, and
to keep back sinners fromsin.... Him who had been foretold asChrist by the...
The Presence ofChrist
... sent them across the sea allalone without Him; there... danger, and terrible trouble,
and noChrist to help... I get into darkness, I have committedsin, the cloud...
Resources
What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.orgSin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
