KNOWING THE LORD AND HIS WILL

Bible Course

Lesson 2

By Paul O. Nichols

Sin

In the minds of many SIN is of little consequence. Some think of it as an invention of an overactive imagination. But when one seriously consults the Bible, THE REVEALED WILL OF GOD, he finds that sin is real, it is deadly, and that unforgiven sin will keep one out of heaven and will cause him or her to suffer punishment forever.

Sin Defined

...Sin is the transgression of the law   (I John 3:4).  ...Whatsoever is not of faith is sin  (Romans 14:23).  All unrighteousness is sin   (I John 5:17).  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.   (James 4:17).

Many of the commandments of the Lord are PROHIBITIVE. They teach  Thou shalt not...  Other commandments are POSITIVE and teach definite requirements for salvation. When one fails to obey, he is guilty of sin.

Ways One May Sin

There are three ways in which one may commit sin: (1) by THOUGHT, (2) by WORD, (3) by DEED. FIRST IS THOUGHT  ,  The thought of foolishness is sin  (Proverbs 24:9).

...Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ   (2 Corinthians 10:5).

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he   (Proverbs 23:7).  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man...   (Matthew 15:19-20). SECOND IS WORD  ,  If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain   (James 1:26).  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned   (Matthew 12:37).  ...I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue   (Psalms 39:1). THIRD IS DEED   ,  ...The works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:...they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God   (Galatians 5:19-21). Other sins are listed in Romans 1:29-31 and I Corinthians 6:9-10.  ...They which do such things are worthy of death   (Romans 1:32), and  shall not inherit the kingdom of God   (I Corinthians 6:10).

Sin Is Universal

Since SIN is real and is condemned in the scriptures, it should be a matter of concern to every intelligent person.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of God   (Romans 3:23).

The scripture hath concluded all under sin   (Galatians 3:22).  ...We have before proved both Jews and gentiles, that they are all under sin   (Romans 3:9). From such scriptures we understand that SIN is indeed universal.

Consequence of Sin

The wages of sin is death   (Romans 6:23).  When sin is finished, it bringeth forth death   (James 1:15).  The soul that sinneth it shall die   (Ezekiel 18:20). This  die or death   mentioned here by inspiration is not natural or physical death, for  it is appointed unto men once to die   (Hebrews 9:27). But this death is the  second death   in the  lake of fire  (Revelation 20:14-15).

Sin Can Be Forgiven

Sin is deadly, but it is not unforgivable.  Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool   (Isaiah 1:18). The Lord is longsuffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty   (Numbers 14:18).  The Lord... is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance   (2 Peter 3:9). 

 God...is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe   (I Timothy 4:10).  

And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.   (I Corinthians 6:11).

Summary

Sin is real, and if one dies unforgiven of his sins, he will be punished, according to the Bible.There are three ways in which one may be guilty of sin  in thought, in word, in deed. Sin is universal and therefore a universal plan is needed for forgiveness. God does not want ANY to be lost because of sin, and He is willing to save ALL who seek His forgiveness. But salvation is offered only through the plan which HIS love has provided. Truly God is  the Savior of all men   who will come to Him according to His will.

FILL IN THE BLANK SPACES

1. Some think _________________________ is of little consequence.

2. The Bible teaches that sin is ___________________ and ______________________.

3. God's commandments are both __________________ and ______________________.

4. Sin is transgression of the _______________ of God.

5. There are _______________ ways by which one may sin.

6. The scriptures teach that ____________ have sinned.

7. The wages of sin is _____________________.

8. If one dies in sin he cannot go to ___________________.

9. God does not want anyone to be ____________________.

10. God wants all sinners to _________________ of their sins.

QUESTIONS

1. Is sin the invention of man s imagination? Yes ____ No ____.

2. Does the Bible tell us what sin is? Yes ____ No ____.

3. Is it foolish to make a mockery of sin? Yes ____ No ____.

4. Can sin be committed by deed only? Yes ____ No ____.

5. Does the Bible teach that all have sinned? Yes ____ No ____.

6. Is the heart the source of sin? Yes ____ No ____.

7. Can a person receive God s forgiveness of sin? Yes ____ No ____.

8. If one is not forgiven of sin, can he still go to heaven? Yes ____ No ____.

9. Can a person who refuses to repent be saved? Yes ____ No ____.

10. Is God willing to save all men who will do His will? Yes ____ No ____.