Attending Church and adhering to certain moral laws does not eradicate the sinful nature of humanity. It raises the question of why sin is attributed solely to humans, as opposed to other species. It is believed that God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son to sacrifice for humankind. However, the Bible also cautions against loving the world. John explicitly defines what he means by this prohibition: the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life, all of which are considered sinful and in defiance of God’s will for us (1 John 2:15).
The notion of sin is believed to be uniquely human and not evident in other species. It is thought that only humans are considered capable of sinning by God. Sinfulness in the world is attributed solely to humanity. This stems from the belief that humans are the only creatures not native to this world. Human enjoyment of physical life can be ascribed to a lack of awareness of the existence of anything better. Such enjoyment is compared to a person who, not knowing of better alternatives, is satisfied with sharing food with pigs. Similarly, a person who has never travelled may be content with their immediate surroundings, no matter how uncultured.
The love that God has for the world is characterized by sacrifice. Merely following moral laws may not be enough to overcome the desires of the flesh, the cravings of the eyes, and the boastfulness of life. It is sometimes noted that strict adherence to moral laws can bolster the pride of life and intensify the desires of the flesh and the eyes. For humans, it is challenging to eschew things that appeal to the flesh, as humans are inclined to fulfil these desires. This presents a nuanced perspective on the notion of sin concerning humanity.
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:10-14 NKJV).
If a blatant violator of God’s Laws is justified, while a strict adherent to the Law is condemned, where does this leave those seeking deliverance? The goal is to foster a clear comprehension of what God demands, without hindering one’s opportunity to achieve what is sought. As physical beings, we often ponder the actions required to gain God’s favour. The key lies within specific Scriptures that, when understood and implemented, can free us from excessive sorrow. Salvation is presented as a gift freely given, without any conditions.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (John 3:16-21 NKJV).
Humanity’s sinful nature, stemming from Adam’s transgression, is incapable of self-redemption, hence the need for Jesus’ redemptive work. The referenced Scripture highlights the significance of faith in Jesus without additional conditions. This prompts an essential inquiry: What defines belief in Jesus for those seeking the salvation He provides? It is asserted that salvation is attainable only through faith in Jesus, irrespective of other doctrines proposed by deceivers.
Sin is often ascribed to human actions and viewed as a consequence of humanity’s spiritual nature. While humans are frequently focused on the physical realm, they are intended to be spiritually inclined. This divergence forms the essence of sinfulness, affecting the entire globe. Without human spirituality, the notion of sin would be nonexistent. Absent the spirit, humans may function purely on instinct, similar to animals in survival mode, for which the concept of sin is inapplicable as it pertains to their physical existence.
Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that the discussion of sin’s existence suggests a fusion of the physical with the spiritual, two elements meant to remain separate due to their incompatibility. The choice between them is essential to live without sin. Consider well-nourished cattle on a farm; they may be well cared for by the farmer and enjoy their existence. Yet, one certainty looms: they are all bound for the slaughterhouse. This cycle cannot be deemed sinful, as it is the natural course of their lives. It represents the world’s continuity through cycles of birth, growth, decay, and death.
Death, often seen as the opposite of birth, is as natural as birth itself. It is unrealistic for anyone to expect eternal life in this physical world. While one may live to be a hundred and twenty years old, it is customary for the living to mourn such an event, which shows a disconnect with nature. The inevitability of death is a shared experience among humans, just as it is among animal species. Grasping this truth is crucial to understanding the nature of sin.
The first sin documented in the Bible is Cain’s murder of his brother Abel, possibly out of jealousy. If Cain’s actions were evaluated according to animal standards, they would not be deemed sinful since they would correspond with normal animal behaviour. However, Cain possessed a divine instinct that allowed him to converse with God and offer a sacrifice from his agricultural produce. The issue lay in a certain flaw within his offering, which could have been rectified had he chosen to learn from Abel.
From such conduct, one can deduce the sinful nature. Cain’s reluctance to learn from his brother originates from a state of pride, which aims to corrupt the divine nature. In essence, this is the definition of sin. If the world is deemed sinful, it is based on the desire to surpass others. This desire arises from the fleshly mind that seeks its own benefit, often at the expense of other beings. Without the participation of God, there would be no concept of sin. Such are the demands of the physical nature’s appetites.
Another example of sinful conduct is that of sex, regarded as shameful, by most people. However, it is unnecessary to be ashamed of sex, as it identifies with the physical nature. Animals do their sexual conduct openly, without any reason to feel shameful. Why can’t humans behave likewise? The special reason for humans to feel shameful about it is that sex was never designed for spiritual humans. Sex is innately an animalistic trend, not associated with humans, created in God’s image. Therefore, there is an aspect of sinning in sex, although not outrightly sinful when conducted under the confines of good marriages.
To promote harmonious living, humans have created moral laws designed to diminish overt immorality and enhance societal stability. However, it is not uncommon for individuals to present an outward appearance of virtue while concealing unethical thoughts within. For example, regarding sexual immorality, Jesus introduced a spiritual principle that goes beyond mere moral laws: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28 NKJV).
From a moral standpoint, it is frequently argued that sexual activity should be reserved for marriage. In this context, marriage is regarded as a sacred union between husband and wife. Within this bond, sexual relations are viewed as an expression of divine love. In contrast, engaging in sexual activity outside of this sacred bond is often seen as a desecration, as an act of corruption, conflating the divine with the mortal. The power of sexual desire is considered more potent than any other temptation, as observed in the animal kingdom where males often engage in fierce battles over females.
The routine conflicts among animals over mating are not inherently sinful. However, such behaviour is deemed sinful when humans partake in it. The distinction between humans and animals is often attributed to the divine essence within humans. When humans, believed to be created in the image of God, blur the line between animalistic behaviour and divine conduct, they commit sin. The issue stems from conflating these two opposites, rather than from the behaviour itself, which is considered sinless when performed by animals.
This principle applies to all behaviours in life, including indulgence in drugs or alcohol. A person’s spirituality, reflecting their creation in God’s image, is what defines their true worth. Being human requires ethical conduct, favouring reason over succumbing to carnal desires. One who chooses to live purely by instinct, like animals, disregarding their spiritual essence, forfeits their humanity. Such an individual becomes a humanoid, driven solely by impulse, devoid of divine guidance. However, pure unethical conduct does not necessarily equate to sinning, as outlined in John’s prophecy in the Book of Revelation.
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent’” Revelation 3:14-19 NKJV).
The discussion centres on the understanding of three conditions: coldness, lukewarmness, and intense heat. While neither extremely cold nor intense heat is condemned, a clear disdain for lukewarmness is expressed, indicating a likelihood of its rejection by God. He acknowledges those who act unethically, just as He recognizes those considered ethical. In His perspective, sin arises from blending these two opposing states. Jesus, the foundation of Christianity, did not denounce sinners. Rather, His disapproval is directed at those who claim religiosity yet remain indifferent to the intermixing of spiritual and sinful tendencies.
Individuals who live without knowledge of divine conduct cannot be deemed sinners until they encounter godliness. It is the awareness of godliness that marks the beginning of sinfulness upon transgressing the divine directives. This journey does not necessitate pretence but rather a genuine aspiration to connect with the fountain of life for redemption. Jesus’ mission was to enlighten the oblivious about their transgressions, not to pass judgment but to reveal the essence of godliness, allowing seekers to engage with the divine and find salvation.
“ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For everyone practising evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (John 3:17-21 NKJV).
To believe in Jesus implies recognizing that His life exemplifies the ideals expected of humanity. Emulating Jesus’ way of life and adhering to His teachings allows one to receive God’s grace and be bestowed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is what seals the person to revert to being God’s child. Having accomplished this requires that the person ceases to be guided by the lustful desires of the sinful nature. That person begins to enjoy the relationship with his or her Creator. This causes the person’s sinful passions to face the most serious crushing, as the situation might demand. This is what sacrifice implies.
The greatest challenge lies in resisting the allure of our sinful nature. However, by persistently seeking Jesus’ guidance, one can garner the strength to overcome. It is virtually impossible to break free from the temptation of sin without His direction. A diligent person will continually examine their actions against the backdrop of Jesus’ teachings, using prayer and Bible study as the exclusive means to sustain a spiritual connection.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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