Impact of Sin

We discussed the impacts of sin. In relation to God, sin makes us unfit for God’s presence (Gen 3:23), unable to do God’s will (Jn 8:34, Ro 7:21f), unrighteous, insensitivity to God's word (1 Tim 4:2, Ro 1:21).

In relation to ourselves, sin causes death (Ro 6:23, Gen 2:7), shame (Gen 3:7-8), inner conflict (Ro 7:23), enslavement (Ro 6:17), denial (Gen 3:11-13), self-deceit (Matt 7:3; 2 Sam 12:1-15)

With respect to our fellow people, sin causes conflict and exploitation (James 4:1-2). Of note is that there is a social dimension to sin. The world is inherently corrupt (Jn 7:7, 1 Cor 1:20f, 1 John 5:19b) such that well-meaning Christians cannot solve the world's problems. There will always be hunger, disease, war, etc. Churches have traditionally focussed on converting the sinners from their individual sins. That is not enough as even if there was a society of Christians, there will still be conflict. Thus Christians must also advocate for progressive change in the world.

With respect to the rest of creation, sin resulted in a corruption of our stewardship of the world; hence the pollution and environmental degradation. Worse, work will be difficult (Gen 3:17). (See p. 271 in the textbook on the proper Christian view on work.)