SIN, WHAT IS IT? by D. T. J.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 11, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 23.

SIN, WHAT IS IT?

By D. T. J.

BY D. T. J.

Condition, Not Deeds.

In defining sin, we are apt to take cognizance only of its fruits, instead of tracing it to its origin in the motives and intents of the heart. The evil acts which are manifested in the outward life are an evidence of a fountain of evil within from which these actions flow; just as the living spring has its fountain in the bowels of the mountain, where its waters are treasured up, or in the everlasting snows which crown their tops.

Sin, then, is a condition, and this condition is implanted in the heart. Conversion is the work of renovating the heart—changing its condition. This was called a new birth by our Saviour, and the apostle refers to those who have been converted as “new creatures in Christ Jesus.”

While the condition of sin exists, it is impossible to do right, no matter how hard the individual may try; and those who have been converted—born again—can not do evil. In giving the test by which we may distinguish the righteous from the wicked, Christ said: “Ye shall know them by their fruit. . . . A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. . . . Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” The fruit does determine the character of the tree, but the tree does not determine the character of the fruit, while the fruit shows what character the tree is of, that is, whether it is a good or a bad one. So it is with the acts of sin; such acts do not determine the character of the individual, but they show what his character is. In speaking from the opposite standpoint—the standpoint of the converted man—John says, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed [or nature] remaineth in him; and he can not sin, because he is born of God.” This does not teach us that converted men may not be deceived and led into doing sinful things, but it does plainly teach that such things will not be in the regular trend of the converted man's life.

The words of the prophet Jeremiah illustrate this point when he asks the question, “Can an Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” and then answers the question by saying, “Then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil.”

That sin is a condition or state of sin, and the change which is wrought in the work of conversion. We will give a few examples: “And it was so, that, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart.” 1 Sam. 10:9. “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh.” Eze. 11:19. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” 1 John 2:9, 10. “If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.” 1 John 2:29. “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1 John 5:18.

In conversion the nature is changed, and in place of having a disposition tending to sin, the converted man has a disposition tending towards righteousness, with the promise of divine power to assist him in carrying out his spiritual desires. “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3, 4.

Sin is the natural inheritance of the human heart, and this condition can only be changed through Christ, who, as man's substitute, has vanquished sin and provided a way, through himself, for man to be released from its dominion.