Romans 3:23-26
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.
Review of Last Week
We started a new series to the week after Easter—Exploring the Atonement: Why God Became Man?
I John 4:9-10, God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
By exploring the atonement, we discover the subject would be God’s love for humanity and the topic would be Jesus’ passion
Review Last Weeks
Exploring a subject and topic means investigating and studying to enhance understanding. In the case of the series, that is Atonement: the processes by which God provides a way for humanity to be restored and renewed.
Four objectives to our exploration
The Problem With Sin
Series: Exploring the Atonement: Why God Became Man.
Message 1
One Thing We Know: Life is Filled With Problems
We all face small problems, like being late or losing keys, and large ones, like financial issues, broken relationships, or health struggles. Have you ever faced a major issue that needed help to resolve?
One problem confronts everyone—unstoppable by effort, money, or intelligence. It’s the source of struggles, injustice, and suffering: sin.
Sin separates us from God, is an unpayable debt, and leads to death. Like life's most significant problems, we cannot solve sin alone. The good news is that God has provided a solution.
Today, we’re going to examine the problem of sin—what it is, how it affects each of us, and why God Himself had to step in to rectify what we could never fix.
What Makes Sin Such A Problem
A Problem is a matter or situation that is unwelcomed or harmful and needs to be dealt with and overcome.
The reality is that sin needs to be overcome by successfully dealing with it and conquering it.
This is an issue that humanity cannot d eal with successfully, with our corrupted nature and death.
A Biblical Theology of Sin
The scriptures teach that human sin is rebellion against God that leads to a separation between God and the jewel of his creation Isaiah 59:2, But your iniquities are separating you from your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not listen.
A Biblical Theology of Sin
The Bible also teaches that sin is an act of rebellion that brings both guilt and corruption to all humankind Romans 3:23, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;
The scriptures teach that sin entered the world through one man—Adam Romans 5:12, Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.
An act that affected all humanity. David is right when he writes in Psalm 51:5, Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.
What all these scriptures describe is what we call the doctrine of original sin.
A Viper in a Diaper
Those who deny original sin never had kids. There is not an angel but a viper in a diaper. Just like us, they enter this world, barely able to open their eyes or hold up their heads. They can't sit, talk, crawl, or walk, but we can unleash that angry scream to assert control! I am in charge now. Think about it: crying comes early, and so does body stiffening. They may be cute, but they want what they want. Listen, God makes them small to protect you from them—they will kill you- and cute to protect them from you.
A Biblical Theology of Sin
This effect is not only on one’s desires but to the whole personhood to the point of leading to death. Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A proper biblical understanding of sin is both a legal offense against God and a corrupting force that distorts human nature to the point of total corruption and death. The Scriptures also teach that sinful humanity is incapable of remedying the problem.
The Doctrine of Original Sin is Crucial
The doctrine of original sin is crucial. Without it, we misunderstand our sinfulness, believing we are innocent victims of our environment. Ignorance of the problem of original sin makes us see salvation as just help, not a necessity. Many hear preachers say sinners know they are sinners; they don't. The Bible tells us we're children of wrath, needing good news, not just good advice.
Billy Graham at the Geneva Conference of 1955
I believe our greatest problem isn't bombs or political philosophies but rather human nature. The real challenge lies not in regional issues but in the human question. Grappling with our unpredictable nature is more potent than politics and more destructive than any war. After years of thought and observation, I assert that improvements in laws and systems mean little without a change in our inner attitudes. Peace treaties do not guarantee personal peace. Jesus Christ recognized that government change does not equal a change of heart. "We observe a paradox of power without poise and success without satisfaction. When will we acknowledge our failures and stop floundering? What will it take to let go of doubts and proclaim, " My Lord and my God, “as doubting Thomas did?
The Sin Problem Takes Divine Intervention
The Early Church Fathers saw sin as corrupting humanity, leading to death and non-existence. Since God created humankind for life with Him, He could not allow creation to die. Thus, the Son, second person of the Trinity, took on flesh to offer himself as an atoning sacrifice, renewing human nature through his death and resurrection, restoring humanity's original purpose. (Athanasius’ Argument in On the Incarnation)
The Sin Problem Takes Divine Intervention
In the 11th century, Anselm argued that human sin created an infinite debt to God due to dishonoring His majesty. Since humans are finite, they cannot repay this debt; only a being who is both God and Man can offer the perfect sacrifice needed to atone for sins. Therefore, the Son, as the second person of the Godhead, took on flesh to provide this perfect sacrifice, satisfying God’s wrath and restoring humanity's relationship with Him.
The Sin Problem Takes a Divine Intervention
Both areas recognize that sin is a problem that requires divine intervention. The Early Church views it as a corruptive death needing payment and restoration. Anselm emphasizes divine justice; God’s wrath must be satisfied by sacrifice. The Early Church stresses the Son’s love and mercy for mankind. Anselm notes the Son is willing to bear God’s wrath, which humans cannot withstand. The Cross of Christ saved us not only from hell but also from God's wrath.
The Foreshadow of Genesis 22
In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. As they journey to Mount Moriah, Abraham’s heart breaks at the thought of losing his promised son, yet he trusts that “God will provide” (Genesis 22:8). Just as he prepares to strike, God intervenes, sparing Isaac and providing a ram as a substitute (Genesis 22:13).
This foreshadows God’s greater sacrifice—offering Jesus, His beloved Son, as the ultimate atonement for sin. Unlike Isaac, Jesus was not spared; He willingly became the Lamb of God (John 1:29), bearing the full weight of sin. While Abraham was spared ultimate loss, God endured it, not withholding His Son (Romans 8:32). At the cross, divine justice and mercy met, as Christ took our place, securing salvation for all who believe (Romans 3:25-26).
Conclusion
Sin is a legal and relational issue. The Bible states that our sin renders us guilty before God, demanding atonement, and corrupt, needing renewal to fulfill God’s creative purpose—destroy the old to bring forth the new.
Jesus' work on the cross eliminated humanity’s death sentence and corruption, as He paid the penalty for sin and dismantled corruptive power. Thus, He is the only Savior of the world.
Invitation & Challenge
Consider the problem of sin. This problem is not just for a selected few but all of humanity.
Challenge: if this is a problem we all have, how do you plan to solve your problem with Sin?
The Good News is God has already solved the problem for you in Jesus. He is much more than a historical figure, a revolutionary. He is the only atoning sacrifice to deal with our sin problem.
Questions for Bible Study
What verses in the Old Testament express God’s love for humanity?
What verses in the New Testament express God’s love for humanity?
Which verse(s) capture your heart and why?
How many foreshadows can you find of Jesus and his crucifixion in Genesis 22?