What is the root of sin?

The concept of sin and its root cause is a foundational aspect of Christian theology. Understanding the root of sin involves exploring its origin, nature, and effects on humanity and the world. This discussion will delve into these themes using the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, addressing the fall of humanity, the nature of sin, and its pervasive impact.

The Origin of Sin

The Fall of Lucifer

Sin originated not on earth but in heaven with the rebellion of Lucifer. Originally created as a perfect being, Lucifer’s pride led to his fall. Isaiah 14:12-15 (NKJV) describes this fall:

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.”

Lucifer’s desire to exalt himself above God marks the first instance of rebellion, characterized by pride and rebellion.

The Fall of Humanity

Sin entered the human race through Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:1-6 (NKJV) narrates this pivotal event:

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden”?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.”‘ Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”

This act of disobedience brought evil and its consequences into the world, fundamentally altering the human condition and the relationship between humanity and God.

The Nature of Sin

Disobedience to God

At its core, sin is disobedience to God. Adam and Eve’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit was a direct violation of God’s command. Romans 5:19 (NKJV) reflects on this disobedience:

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”

Rebellion Against God

Sin is also characterized by rebellion against God’s authority. This is seen in Lucifer’s attempt to exalt himself and in humanity’s continual resistance to God’s will. Isaiah 53:6 (NKJV) highlights this rebellious nature:

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Perversion of God’s Creation

Evil represents a perversion of the good that God created. Instead of living according to God’s design, humanity distorts and misuses creation. Romans 1:25 (NKJV) describes this perversion:

“Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”

Falling Short of God’s Glory

Iniquity is fundamentally missing the mark of God’s holy standard. Romans 3:23 (NKJV) succinctly states this truth:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

The Root Causes of Sin

Pride

Pride is a significant root cause of evil It was Lucifer’s pride that led to his fall, and it is often human pride that leads to disobedience and rebellion against God. Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) warns:

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Selfishness

Selfishness, or placing one’s desires above God’s will, is another root of iniquity. James 3:16 (NKJV) describes the chaos that selfish ambition causes:

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

Unbelief

Unbelief, or a lack of trust in God, also underlies evil. When Adam and Eve doubted God’s word and believed the serpent’s lie, unbelief paved the way for their disobedience. Hebrews 3:12 (NKJV) cautions against an unbelieving heart:

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.”

Idolatry

Idolatry, or valuing something more than God, leads to sin. When individuals place their trust and devotion in anything other than God, they fall into idolatry. Colossians 3:5 (NKJV) equates covetousness with idolatry:

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

The Effects of Iniquity

Separation from God

The most significant consequence of evil is separation from God. Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, signifying the broken relationship between humanity and God. Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV) states:

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”

Spiritual Death

Evil results in spiritual death, which is separation from the life of God. Ephesians 2:1 (NKJV) explains:

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

Physical Death

Physical death is also a consequence of sin. Romans 6:23 (NKJV) declares:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Bondage to Sin

Iniquity enslaves those who indulge in it, leading to a cycle of destructive behavior. John 8:34 (NKJV) records Jesus’ words:

“Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.'”

Corruption of Creation

Iniquity affects not only individuals but all of creation. Romans 8:20-21 (NKJV) describes the creation’s subjection to futility:

“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”

The Solution to Iniquity

Redemption through Christ

The solution to Iniquity is found in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus provides redemption and reconciliation with God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) proclaims:

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Justification by Faith

Believers are justified, or declared righteous, by faith in Christ. Romans 5:1 (NKJV) explains:

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

New Birth

Through faith in Christ, believers experience a new birth, receiving a new nature that desires to please God. John 3:3 (NKJV) records Jesus’ words to Nicodemus:

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'”

Sanctification

Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy, growing in Christlikeness. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NKJV) states:

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.”

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in overcoming sin, empowering believers to live righteously. Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) encourages:

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Conclusion

The root of sin can be traced back to the pride, selfishness, unbelief, and idolatry that characterized Lucifer’s rebellion and Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Iniquity, at its core, is a rejection of God’s authority and a perversion of His created order. Its effects are devastating, resulting in separation from God, spiritual and physical death, bondage, and the corruption of creation.

However, the story does not end with iniquity’s destructive power. The Bible reveals God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, who provides the solution to transgression through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Through faith in Christ, believers are justified, born again, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to overcome sin and live in a restored relationship with God.

Understanding the root of evil and its consequences highlights the gravity of humanity’s condition and the incredible grace of God in providing a way of salvation. As believers grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit, they can experience victory over sin and live in the fullness of the life that God intended.

Also see, “What are the Seven Deadly Sins?“

In His service,
BibleAsk Team