Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for joining us for a two-part series about sin, a topic no one likes to discuss. Today, we examine the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament’s warning about sin and, next week, the New Testament.
Since sin is an unpopular and uncomfortable subject, church sermons tend to shy away from preaching about it. Why? Sin has become “relative” due to a moral decline in nations based on Judeo-Christian law, where people are drifting farther from the Word of God. Since sin is relative, religious leaders don’t want to offend any congregants who might feel they are being judged from the pulpit and won’t return. But enough of my editorializing! To define sin, we turn to an authoritative theological source, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (Smile face.) Quoted below are four definitions from a secular perspective:
First, sin is “an offense against religious or moral law.” Second, “an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible.” Third, a “transgression of the law of God.” Fourth, “a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God.” (Don’t worry, I didn’t know what “vitiated” meant either, so I looked it up) Vitiated means “impaired, tainted, damaged, or degraded in various contexts.”
Now that we have read the secular world’s definition (and maybe learned a new word), how does the Old Testament warn about sin? Since sin is viewed as a transgression of God's law and a defiance of God's commandments, there are consequences for disobedience.
Since humankind is naturally sinful, early in Genesis, sin enters humanity with all its negative ramifications. If you are unfamiliar with the story of Adam and Eve, catch up quickly by reading Vol. 110 — “What the Hebrew Bible says about Satan.” Note that Satan was the catalyst in what is known as “Original Sin” and the “Fall of Man.” I will quote from Vol. 110, asking, “Is it a sin to quote thyself?”:
“The story of how sin entered humanity ends with God punishing humankind because Adam and Eve allowed themselves to be deceived by the serpent.”
How did God punish humankind? The actions of Adam and Eve resulted in pain, suffering, and death, both physical and spiritual. (New Testament Spoiler Alert: Jesus offers comfort, hope, forgiveness of sin, eternal life, and died to take on your sin debt.)
It is critical to understand how the serpent (the evil one/Satan) coaxed Adam and Eve to be deceived into indulging in the fruit of one tree that God specifically asked them to avoid. These are warnings for us all:
The evil one takes pleasure in entering your thoughts so that you will downplay sinful behavior, doubt God, disobey God, and think you are wiser than God. Sin is always contrary to what God wants for humankind. This next paragraph is also from Vol. 110:
“Satan’s bag of tricks includes his skill of casting doubt by asking you to question and rethink what you know is good or true. That is how Satan tricked Eve into eating and sharing the forbidden fruit with Adam after the serpent famously told Eve, 'You will be like God knowing good and evil' (Genesis 3:1-7). We must acknowledge that the Evil One prides himself as the master for getting inside your head so you will rationalize behavior that you know is sinful, harmful, hurtful, and wrong. Therefore, protect yourself with the 'armor of God' when he targets you.”
Blinking warning sign: If you love the Lord and read His Word, Satan targets you. Thus, never give him a foothold. Sin is his door. You can lock him out by stopping sinful behaviors in your life.
Next, we turn to Exodus, where the 10 Commandments were given to Moses, the leader of God’s people. God’s law warns of sinful thoughts and behaviors to avoid. Some behaviors must not be violated, such as believing in no gods but Him, the Almighty God of Israel. And don’t forget that honoring your mother and father is number five. For a quick refresher about the 10 Commandments, read Vol. 150.
Now we skip to Proverbs authored by King Solomon, the royal star of our Bible study over the last three weeks. The King was granted extraordinary wisdom as a gift from God. Solomon knows about sin because he was a sinner God punished for disobedience. He wrote in Proverbs 6:
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community” (Proverbs 6:16-19).
One could say that King Solomon wrote his version of the 10 Commandments. Let’s examine why the Lord hates these sinful behaviors.
“Haughty eyes” mean you have a look (but it can also be internal) that reflects your overall feeling of superiority. You possess a proud heart and think you are better and brighter than others, including God. For your pride and self-centeredness, God will judge you harshly.
“A lying tongue.” No explanation is needed.
“Hands that shed innocent blood.” Murder displeases God because a life was ended that He created. Worse, if the murderer knows they are killing an innocent person.
“A heart that devises wicked schemes.” God does not look kindly upon anyone who devises plans that violate His commandments.
“Feet that are quick to rush into evil.” If you make evil plans and implement them, you will experience the Wrath of God in some way, shape, or form.
“A false witness who pours out lies.” Giving a false account to authorities that implicates an innocent person who then suffers from being wrongly accused does not please God.
“A person who stirs up conflict in the community.” God disapproves of community troublemakers. He wants people to work together for the greater good and to glorify Him in their homes and communities.
Here are the two most important takeaways from this study:
Sinning violates God’s commandments, and one fails to honor God with that violation.
God holds man responsible for sin but offers forgiveness through Jesus, his Son. Amen!
See you next Sunday for “sin warnings” in the New Testament, and I wish you a sin-free week.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, which is dedicated to building a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. The National Shroud of Turin Exhibit recently hosted a four-day exhibit (with a VIP guest) at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>