Sin, in its simplest terms, refers to the violation of moral or divine law. Just as the laws of nature govern the material universe—laws that scientists continue to uncover and harness for innovation—religious traditions often define sin through the lens of sacred texts, such as the Bible. It is crucial to recognize that the physical world operates under divinely instituted laws. For instance, gravity, a fundamental law of nature, can cause destruction when disregarded. Similarly, any disruption of these natural laws can be seen as a form of sin.
A compelling analogy for sin lies in the violation of electrical principles: mixing positive and negative currents results in electrocution. Likewise, the law of combustion depends on the interaction between a burning substance and oxygen, which exists in limited quantities in the atmosphere. These examples illustrate how transgressing natural laws leads to consequences, yet many remain unaware of such intricacies. As the Scripture states, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). This underscores the importance of analytical thinking and meticulous attention to detail, especially when dealing with physical and spiritual matters.
Unlike humans, animals operate purely on instinct, seamlessly aligning with the laws of the universe without needing comprehension. Humans, however, possess both spiritual and intellectual capacities, making them unique. Despite this, humans are also bound by their physical nature. Even a newborn baby, innocent as it may seem, is susceptible to sin. Thus, survival demands caution and a willingness to acknowledge ignorance when faced with the unknown.
The laws given to the Israelites were designed to safeguard humanity. Yet, as spiritual beings, adhering to the laws of the physical universe can feel burdensome. Scientists, for example, have uncovered laws essential for survival, such as soil preservation. However, the more laws are instituted, the more complex life becomes. Jesus affirmed that these natural laws remain until the end of the world (Matthew 5:17-18). But, for Christians, what does it mean, as Paul suggests, to no longer be under the law (Galatians 5:18)?
Christians, as spiritual beings, are no longer bound by the laws of the physical universe. While those who adapt to these laws may lead healthier lives, they remain distinct from Christians, who are called to live beyond the physical realm. Ancient civilizations, though deeply connected to the natural world, often lacked the education to fully understand its laws. Yet, their survival depended on superior knowledge, as seen in the advancements of Greek and Asian societies, where education played a pivotal role in progress.
Moses, the first prophet to document the relationship between God and humanity, provided a framework for understanding sin. Sin arises from the mingling of spiritual and physical conditions. Without the spiritual component, sin would not exist. The human predicament lies in the duality of their nature: spiritual beings inhabiting physical forms. Unaware of their spiritual origin and supremacy, humans often live as if they are entirely physical.
The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, was intended to reveal humanity’s spiritual condition within a physical existence. These laws conditioned the Israelites to appreciate their spiritual identity, even as they lived in physical bodies. However, their adherence to the law did not guarantee comfort or superiority over other nations. Instead, their story often ended in subjugation, highlighting the limitations of living solely under the law.
The Israelites were commanded to obey the law without fully understanding its spiritual significance. This lack of comprehension underscores the challenge of evaluating spiritual truths while bound by physical limitations. As Jesus revealed, the spiritual condition of humanity is understood through divine revelation (Matthew 16:16-18). Paul further emphasized that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to all who believe (Romans 10:4).
Without adequate education, a society risks collapse due to its inability to address physical challenges. Today, this is evident in the global struggle against climate change. Precision in understanding and handling physical matters is essential. Christians, however, are called to transcend physical laws, living instead by spiritual principles as children of God. Many who identify as Christians misunderstand this truth, leading to confusion and misaligned lives.
Jesus declared, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). A born-again Christian is no longer bound by physical conditions, including the fear of death. Jesus demonstrated His divine nature through miracles, yet He refused to use His power for personal gain (Matthew 4:4-11). His greatest miracle—His resurrection—stands as a testament to His divinity and the promise of eternal life for believers.
Despite these truths, many are misled by charismatic preachers who prioritize miracles over sound doctrine. Jesus warned that only a few would find the narrow path to truth (Matthew 7:13-14). True believers are those who hear His voice and abide in His teachings, not those captivated by signs and wonders. One of the Christian attributes is to no longer be fascinated by miracles, recognizing that God is not limited by anything.
Christians are called to live as God’s children, inseparable from Him. As Jesus said, “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you” (John 14:20). This union with Christ transforms believers, making them distinct from the world. To be a Christian is to allow Christ to live within, as Paul testified: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
The law, while necessary for physical existence, cannot provide salvation. Jesus, born under the law, fulfilled it to redeem humanity from its curse (Galatians 3:10). Those who rely on the law remain under its condemnation, whereas those who embrace Christ are freed from its bondage. Christianity is not about adhering to rules but about surrendering entirely to Christ.
Humans are often unaware of being affected by the sin of Adam. For instance, God’s pronouncement: “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19 NKJV), was foreign to Adam. Yet, as physical humans, we view hard work as virtuous conduct. In his spiritual condition, Adam would obtain what he wanted without sweating. Before sinning, the attributes of Adam were not different from those of Jesus Christ.
It is worth mentioning that the term Adam was also applicable to Eve before sin. She had been known by the term “woman,” suggesting another component of Adam. The two had been identified as one, making it impossible to apportion blame or credit. Adam had to identify his wife as “Eve” after sin had entered (Genesis 3:20). Understanding this is crucial, as the projection of sinful humanity begins at that point. Therefore, divorce cannot apply to a person who has become a Christian.
In Revelation, the church of Laodicea is rebuked for its lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:15-16). This serves as a warning against mixing spiritual and worldly pursuits, much like mixing opposing electric currents leads to disaster. True Christianity requires wholehearted devotion, not compromise. This leaves us with the understanding that is defined in the element of compromise.
On matters of principle, compromise is anathema to godliness, making it the worst of all sins. In modern Christianity, many things have had to be accepted as permissible, even without scriptural backing. This is done to attain the desirable peace. Modern Christians have been reduced to blending with sinful people for the sake of peace. This is in contrast with what Jesus said in Matthew 10:35-39.
However, the primary reason for Jesus’s crucifixion was His refusal to compromise with the Jews. One cannot identify with Jesus and avoid confronting the cross, at the same time. While it is impossible to categorize sin, the most grievous sin may be compromise, as illustrated in Revelation 3:14-16. This scripture reveals that God tolerates being either hot or cold but is intolerant of being lukewarm. The condition of lukewarmness suggests the peril inherent in blending two opposites.
Christianity denotes a group of people set apart as God’s children. They are distinct because they are not of this world, just as Jesus was not of this world. Hence, Paul declared it was no longer he who lived but Christ who lived in him (Galatians 2:20). What makes Christians different is that it would not be the physical ones living anymore, but Christ living in them. Unless one can declare, “Anyone who has seen me has seen Christ,” one is not a Christian. The gospel consists of an exclusive message of Jesus, without any need for subtraction or addition. This is achievable only for those willing to leave everything to follow Christ.
To highlight the significance of attending to specifics, it is worth noting that the Bible reveals two types of righteousness. The righteousness of Jesus and that of ordinary humanity should be fully comprehended to avoid aligning with worldly righteousness when engaging in Christianity. This world is full of virtuous people, but not at the level of Jesus. True believers are denoted as above ordinary people, as privileged to receive the same honour as Jesus. Confusion is common as long as the two are conflated.
The righteousness of Jesus Christ is attained by surrendering everything and believing in His word, as stated in John 3:16-17. However, Jesus referred to another righteousness described in His illustration of what happens on the Day of Judgment (Matthew 25:32-46). In that passage, the righteous ones should not be mistaken for being Christians, but are described as having catered to the brothers of Jesus.
The deeds of righteous individuals will be recognized, even if they have not anticipated their virtuous acts being acknowledged. These individuals can be compared to the behaviour of the Good Samaritan in the parable told by Jesus. There are many such people, although not inspired by Jesus’ teachings. Jesus used the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate a point of neighbourly consideration to a Jewish lawyer. At the end of the parable, Jesus simply said, “Go and do likewise” without inviting the lawyer to follow Him (Luke 10:25-37).
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’” (Matthew 25:35-40 NKJV).
A careful analysis of the above passage reveals the distinction between two groups of righteous individuals. The people Jesus describes as righteous are not necessarily those He refers to as His brothers who were cared for. The Day of Judgment occurs after the millennial reign of Christ when everyone who has ever lived is resurrected for judgment (Revelation 20:10-13). This is when the separation occurs. However, the brothers of Jesus would have already been resurrected according to Revelation 20:4-6. These specifics are crucial, as modern Christianity often fails to comprehend such details.
Jesus’ aim, particularly in these critical end times, is to distinguish true Christians from false ones. Understandably, these are uncommon sentiments, not expected to be embraced by most people. However, this message is provided for those whom God is communicating with. Scoffers were prevalent at the beginning and remain abundant even today. Scriptures do not indicate that God’s invitations were ever widely accepted.
In conclusion, sin consists of blending both physical and spiritual principles. It exists because humans, though fundamentally spiritual, inhabit physical forms characteristic of worldly species. Existence in a physical form is what is sinful before God, leading to Jesus’ sacrifice. Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law, qualifying Him to offer grace to those who believe. Precision in understanding and unwavering adherence to His teachings are essential for eternal life. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
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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