What is Sin? Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions on sin that were originally posted on Quora, along with my short but direct answers. This collection of questions is somewhat random in nature, and does not represent an all-reaching approach to the concept of sin, but does provide some level of insight. It seems that people are curious about it, and fearful at the same time. While sin is popularly portrayed as doing something bad, worthy of punishment, it is rooted in acts that turn away from God. Specifically, sin always involves some level of turning from God’s ways in favor or our own conflicting ways or desires.
Can we forgive our own sins and save ourselves?
No, not from a Christian point of view, or any other point of view for that matter. According to Christianity, only God can forgive sins. We must repent and ask Him for forgiveness. If we are truly sorry and vow to avoid doing the sin again, then we are forgiven by God. But, often people still can’t let it go and “forgive themselves” – which really is about moving on, not salvation. From another point of view, we can’t forgive ourselves, because transgressions have consequences, and we do not have the power to diminish or remove consequences ourselves. Only God can do this, and even then, it is more about salvation and restoration of the individual – the short-term consequences often remain.
Can a person knowingly commit an unforgivable sin?
Actually it is the opposite that is true… a person cannot unknowingly commit an unforgivable sin. The only unforgivable sin is that against the Holy Spirit, but this would have to be very serious, and such an act of rebellion against God that it would definitely be intentional. It is the Holy Spirit that brings us back to the Father, and by breaking the tie with the Holy Spirit, one would not have access back to the Father. Literally breaking one’s lifeline on purpose. This is not something that God-fearing people would get caught up in…
How can sin be habitual at times if we are called to sin no more once Christ comes into our hearts?
Once we accept our salvation, we are cleansed and given a new nature, the nature of God through Christ himself. However, our old nature remains, and is still with us, tied to the “flesh” of our bodies. From here, we are saved, but our lives are still a battle of the two natures within us. In the end, the wages of sin results in death… but for those who are saved, it is the body that breaks down and dies, but the soul lives forever. God’s plan of salvation has even turned physical death on it’s head: what was the inevitable and tragic consequence of our own sin has become a “freeing” event for the believer – the sinful nature dies along with our physical bodies, leaving only the godly nature, as children of God, through the life of Jesus Christ. What’s even better is that this is not even the end of the story, our physical bodies will be restored in a glorified state at the end of time, when God completes the restoration of all things. Good news indeed!
How many times can you be forgiven of your sins?
There is no limit. But to be forgiven means that one has truly repented, meaning true sorrow and a resolve to not sin again. Having an unlimited number of times to be forgiven does not give us a free pass to do anything that we want. It doesn’t work like that.
What will happen if I don’t repent for my sins?
You will eventually die, both physically and spiritually. The consequence of unrepentant sin is death. There can be no eternal life without repentance; it is mandatory. This is because sin is a breaking away from God, and it is God that is the source and sustenance of our life. One cannot survive apart from that which is keeping one alive…
Why do we call the seven deadly “deadly” when they are at the core of human existence?
They are not central to life and living, on the contrary, true & lasting life is void of these things. They are common in the world since we are fallen, and these are very common among humankind. They are considered deadly since they, in fact, destroy life, but are still attractive in some way to our sinful nature. Humans did at one time exist without them, albeit for a very short time. This is described in the story of Adam & Eve, and compares the time before sin to living innocently in a garden, with God present, and all needs being met.
Are humans sinful at their core?
Humans were not created to be sinful at all, so in the strictest sense, the answer is no. God designed humans in his own image, that is, with the capacity to love. In doing so, we have a choice, to love as God loves, or to turn away and do things as we please. This freedom can take us away from God and each other, in other words, to commit sin. Due to sin entering the world as described in the story of the Garden of Eden, human nature was altered. In this way, you might consider that humans are fundamentally sinful, but God’s original design was not for this to be the case. Luckily, God had a remedy to reset things to their initial, perfect state, through the sacrifice and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. Through Him, all sin is washed away, for those that acknowledge this sacrifice and follow his teachings.
Should we pray for God to forgive Satan?
It is not wrong, and may be of good intent, but it won’t do much good. Lucifer is a demon, and as a spiritual being, has seen God in all His fullness and glory. Even so, he decided to turn away from God. It would do no good for God to offer unlimited chances for forgiveness, not because God can’t or won’t forgive, but because there is nothing further that would change Lucifer’s heart to come back to God. Unlike humans that see God through a veil, in shadows, demons see fully. Angels and demons were given free will to choose, but only once. Angels have chosen God, and continually grow closer to Him. Demons rejected God, and continually descend further from Him. They have no interest in being forgiven.
