GENESIS: CLASE 5

Understanding Sin and Original Sin

Introduction to the Topic of Sin

• The discussion begins with a recap of Genesis Chapter 3, focusing on the theme of sin and original sin. The speaker emphasizes the importance of this topic in understanding human separation from God.

Conceptualizing Sin

• The Hebrew word for sin is "hat," which means to err or miss a predetermined target. This concept is likened to missing a mark when throwing an object.

• In Greek, the term "hamartia" conveys a similar meaning—failing to hit a target or goal, illustrating that sin is fundamentally about error rather than merely moral failing.

Distinction Between Types of Sin

• The Bible differentiates between sin as an error (missing the mark) and malice (evil). Understanding this distinction is crucial for interpreting biblical texts accurately.

• It’s noted that sin did not originate with Adam and Eve; rather, it existed prior as malice, indicating that their act was one of disobedience rather than the inception of evil itself.

Free Will and Temptation

• God provided humanity with free will by allowing choices between good and evil; without options, true freedom cannot exist. This setup leads to the potential for disobedience as seen in Adam and Eve's choice.

• The speaker clarifies that while temptation exists, it does not come from God; instead, it serves as a test of one's ability to choose rightly amidst available paths.

Conclusion on Human Choice

• Ultimately, humans have the capacity to choose their path—whether aligning with God's intended purpose or deviating from it through sinful actions. This highlights both the responsibility and consequences tied to free will in relation to divine expectations.

Understanding Sin and Free Will

The Concept of Sin as a Free Will Action

• The first act of free will by Adam and Eve was to sin, which is described as missing the mark set by God. They were given freedom but chose a path contrary to God's intentions.

Temptation and Deception

• Eve was convinced by the beauty of the forbidden fruit, leading her to eat it and share it with Adam. This highlights the theme of temptation through visual allure.

Direct Temptation in Human History

• The speaker notes that Satan directly tempted only two individuals: Eve and Jesus, both of whom had no sin prior to their temptations. This emphasizes the unique nature of their experiences.

Nature of Sin and Its Consequences

• Since Eve had not sinned before using her free will, she could not be tempted from her own sinful nature. In contrast, all humans are tempted from within due to their inherent sinful nature.

Cain's Anger and Sin's Control

• God questions Cain about his anger, indicating that doing right leads to acceptance while refusing leads to sin lurking at the door, eager for control over him.

The Permanence of Error in Sin

Recognizing Mistakes Through Christ

• When one realizes they have erred (sin), they can seek forgiveness through Christ. The Holy Spirit prompts this realization, allowing for repentance and a change in direction away from sin.

Distinction Between Erring and Remaining in Sin

• 1 John 3:8 states that continuing in sin indicates belonging to evil rather than God. A single mistake does not define one's relationship with God; persistence in error does.

Understanding Satan's Role

Definition of Satan as Accuser

• The term "Satan" originates from Hebrew meaning "adversary" or "accuser," likening him to a prosecutor in a courtroom setting who accuses individuals before God.

Biblical Context of Accusation

• In biblical narratives, Satan acts as an accuser against humanity before God, contrasting with Christ who serves as the defender or advocate for believers.

Translation History Impacting Understanding

Septuagint Translation Significance

• The Septuagint was created when Jewish scholars translated Hebrew scriptures into Greek for those who had forgotten Hebrew. This translation played a crucial role in making biblical texts accessible during ancient times.

Understanding the Concept of Sin and Temptation

The Septuagint and Biblical Translation

• The Septuagint, a Greek translation from the 70s, serves as a foundational text for modern biblical translations. It was not originally divided into chapters or verses, which were later added for clarity.

• The term "diábolos," meaning "accuser" in Greek, reflects a deeper understanding of evil as personified malice that calumniates or falsely accuses individuals before God.

Defining Sin in Relation to Humanity

• Sin is characterized as false testimony against oneself, where an accuser (the devil) presents lies about individuals before God.

• The Bible primarily discusses sin concerning humanity rather than universal evil; it emphasizes human relationships with sin through original sin and conscious wrongdoing.

Original Sin and Human Nature

• Original sin predates Adam and Eve, representing humanity's inherent tendency to choose what is detrimental to them—symbolized by the metaphor of toast falling butter-side down.

• Human error can be both unintentional (falling short of the mark) and conscious choices that lead to wrongdoing.

Understanding Biblical Definitions of Sin

• A key biblical definition comes from James 4:17: knowing what one should do but failing to act constitutes sin. This raises questions about ignorance versus knowledge in moral responsibility.

• The complexity of sin is acknowledged; even those unaware that their actions are wrong still commit sins.

Temptation and Its Origins

• James 1:12–15 clarifies that temptation does not come from God but arises from one's own desires. This highlights personal accountability in facing temptation.

• Internal desires can seduce individuals away from God's intended path, leading them astray—a critical aspect of understanding personal sinfulness.

Consequences of Allowing Desires to Grow

• When sinful desires are allowed to grow unchecked, they culminate in sinful actions. Distinguishing between temptation (the lure) and actual sin (the act itself) is crucial.

• Engaging with these internal struggles illustrates different levels of spiritual conflict; yielding to temptation signifies missing the target set by divine guidance.

Understanding Sin and Temptation

The Nature of Sin

• The speaker discusses the concept of temptation, specifically relating to the act of stealing. They differentiate between being tempted and committing the sin itself.

• Acknowledges that stealing is a sin against God's will, which leads one away from their intended glorious destiny.

• Emphasizes that if one continues to steal without repentance, it signifies a departure from being a child of God.

Consequences of Sin

• The speaker elaborates on the implications of persistent sinning, indicating that it aligns an individual with evil rather than divine purpose.

• Highlights a progression in sin: desire leading to action (the concrete sin), followed by a state of permanence in that sin.

Conclusion and Future Discussions

• The session concludes due to time constraints but indicates that this topic will be revisited for deeper exploration in future classes.

• Encourages participants to continue engaging with these themes in upcoming discussions.