4) Sin
The origin of evil and its consequences for mankind
If God created everything “very good,” where did evil come from? Why is there suffering, pain and death? In this lesson, we will discover the origin of sin and how it has affected mankind.
The Origin of Sin
Where did sin originate?
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Answer: In the heart of Lucifer, a perfect angel who became corrupted
Ezekiel 28:15: "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee."
What did Lucifer desire that caused his fall?
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Answer: To be like the Most High and receive honor that belongs only to God
Isaiah 14:13-14: "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
“Little by little Lucifer came to indulge the desire for self-exaltation.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, PP 35.2
The Fall of Mankind
How did sin enter the human race?
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Answer: Adam and Eve disobeyed God, eating the forbidden fruit
Genesis 3:6: "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
What was the temptation that the serpent used?
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Answer: He said they would not die and would be like God, knowing good and evil
Genesis 3:4-5: "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."
Why did Adam and Eve sin, having been created perfect?
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Answer: Because they had free will and chose to disobey
Genesis 2:16-17: "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
The Consequences of Sin
What is the wage of sin?
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Answer: Death
Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Does sin affect only the one who commits it?
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Answer: No, Adam's sin affected all mankind
Romans 5:12: "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
What did sin do to the relationship between mankind and God?
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Answer: It caused separation between us and God
Isaiah 59:2: "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
“They would be subject to disappointment, grief, and pain, and finally to death.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, PP 59.3
The Definition of Sin
What is sin, according to the Bible?
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Answer: Transgression of God's law
1 John 3:4: "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
Who has sinned?
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Answer: All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
And Now?
Understanding sin is essential to understanding salvation:
- Sin originated with Lucifer: It was not created by God
- Adam and Eve chose to sin: Free will allows love, but also sin
- Sin brought death and separation: These are its natural consequences
- Everyone has sinned: No one is exempt
- There is hope: God has provided a remedy!
My Decision
I acknowledge that I am a sinner and that sin separates me from God. I understand that I cannot save myself and that I need a Savior. I am ready to know the solution that God offers.