Sin | The Origin of Rebellion
Knowing what sin is, rebellion against God, we must look towards the origin of sin to best understand the condition that mankind finds themselves in. Many have sought to understand mankind’s condition as relatively neutral in our birth. The common thought is that we grow into our sin nature as if, in our birth, we arrive as a blank tablet that will either tip over into sin or into righteousness as if those newly born could potentially not need a Savior. Yet, this type of thinking ignores the sin nature that has been instill in all mankind with the introduction of sin into perfect creation in Genesis 3.
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:18-21)
Adam and Eve resided in paradise, in the perfection of God’s presence. Yet, through the introduction of sin, mankind stood condemned by works of humanity. This would forever impact the trajectory of people as the condition of the heart was passed from generation to generation. Adam introduced the sin of rebellion against God by standing by and allowing Eve to be deceived and listening to the serpent’s temptations. Yet, Adam is a representation of all mankind, represented us at our individual best.
Adam’s Introduction of Sin
At the start of creation, God created the heavens and the earth, with a special distinction given for mankind. Man had been made in the image of God in special relationship with the divine and holy creator over all the universe. The only rule had been that Adam and Eve could not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil or the consequence would be death. The serpent tempted Adam and Eve and they partook of the tree. God had been left with no other choice but to separate mankind from the fullness of God’s loving presence or they would be fully obliterated by the righteous power of God.
The consequences of inevitable death find their basis in God’s holiness. Any amount of unholiness cannot bear to remain in the presence of God’s infinite perfection. The works of Adam, though, left mankind fully condemned in their unholiness and separated from God. The foundational problem of humanity finds itself in this moment, falling into temptation and believing that we can do better than a perfect and holy God. If sin is rebellion against God, we see sin first in Adam’s rebellion. Everything had been perfect, yet mankind still drifted into craving more than the affection of God but rather to be God themselves. Thus, everyone born of Adam and Eve finds themselves born in disconnect from the presence of God, needing the divine help of a Savior to return them back to Himself.
The Universal Sin Nature
Yet, we must not stumble into the temptation of thinking that we could somehow do better than Adam or that we stand condemned for something Adam did that we would have summarily avoided. Adam is the first of mankind, the representation of all mankind. He experienced intimacy with God, who walked among them in their midst. No one can be found exempt from the sin of mankind as all stand in opposition to the will of God. God’s condemnation of sin is not one that we receive unfairly, but one that we all stand condemned. “Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19, ESV) The standard of sinfulness is any rebellion against the law. No one is born neutral but carries the sin nature that runs through all mankind.
The heart of mankind before coming to Christ is marked by utter rebellion against God. From the inception of mankind the heart craved to stand in opposition against the true and perfect King who put humanity in paradise for their enjoyment. We, like Adam, have been marred by the effects of sin and possess a sin nature that will ultimately lead to our destruction. This sin nature is universal with all mankind. Everyone apart from Jesus Christ posses a sin nature that necessitates our need for a Savior. Whether we want to believe it or not, no standard of morality absolves us of the decay of sin from within us.
About The Author
Daniel Burton is the founder of The Gospel Outpost. He is passionate about discipleship and seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. To find out more about him, check out his Author Page.
