Sin: Misunderstood and Misused

Blasphemous as this may sound, sin is one of the most important part of Christianity. Really! Ask any American pastor, and they will tie all aspects of the faith back to sin. Why do we need Salvation? Sin. Why are we separated from God? Sin. What is it that will be done away with at Christ’s return? Sin. Hell, Christ speaks of the end of the POWER of sin and death (who cares about the devil). But even though it’s one of our core tenants, it has been drastically misunderstood and misused, and I hope to set the record straight in this article.

Element I

Let’s jump right into looking at what sin is and isn’t. Sin is a PROCESS and not merely an action. It is a process wherein one/reality decays from the thing which is “goodness” to the nothing which is “evil.” Sinful actions (such as the one in the garden Eden which initiated this process) lead to greater moral decay until one is in absolute destitution of pure evil. In addition to sinful actions leading to moral decay, as with muscle atrophy, not working on improving one’s moral status also leads to moral decay and eventual evil deeds (example, if you do not act selflessly and attempt to understand where others are coming from, this will likely lead you to act coldly and selfishly towards an acquaintance down the line).

Now I would like to make it very clear what I believe this implies. I believe this implies that one is born morally neutral. Normally, we are born athletically neutral as well; we aren’t fit or unhealthy but have the potential to grow into either. As morality is something that ways on us spiritually, I do not believe that we are then born with a tainted spirit as this would imply we are incapable of goodness (which Christ says even those who are evil can give their children good gifts, Luke 11:13). This does mean that I believe original sin is not a thing, but I don’t think that’s controversial to say. To argue one is born with original sin means God knitted us together in our mother’s womb (Psalms 139:13) incorrectly (which I don’t need to explain why this is drastically contradictory to every Christian theology except Gnosticism).

Another implication of the “process” understanding of sin is that one could get to the point that they work out their moral muscles enough that the do not sin (theoretically). Some members of the Holiness Movement hold to a similar belief that one can eventually do away with sin entirely, and while it’s an unlikely outcome, I think they were onto something. However, as stated above, this would certainly come from constantly working on one’s moral muscles and is highly unlikely.

Element II

I alluded to this in point 1, but I want to expand on it here. Evil is not a thing. Now, I do not mean this in an absolutely relative sense where if you stop believing in evil than murder is acceptable (as that’s just silly). I mean it in the scientific sense. Cold is just an absence of heat, evil is just an absence of good. This imagery lines up perfectly with the Bible when you consider how many times good and evil are compared to light and darkness. Darkness cannot hide from light, as it’s just a lack of light. Therefore, if light/good are present than dark/evil cannot be present.

And this perfectly explains why there is no evil in heaven. Many argue (both as a positive and a negative) that humans would have no freewill in heaven because you can’t choose to do evil. But this is not the case. Rather, just like how we’ve been freed from bodily decay, we no longer suffer moral decay. And because we no longer decay morally we would not choose to do evil. For example, if one is a great athlete, they would restrict themselves from eating certain foods and always ensure they exercised regularly. In the beginning this would be challenging, but after years of living like this it becomes second nature. And just imagine a future wherein they never suffer fatigue, or thoughts of not being good enough, or the feeling of lethargy. They would never choose to go against their exercise regiment and instead continue to become better and better infinitely!

The same is when we reach heaven, and Christ’s sacrifice is primarily for this purpose. It was not to save us from the hell of hellfire but rather to save us from the constant and inevitable decay of our hearts. And this is a decay which Christ has saved all from, not just those who chose him/know him. As all people stretch out their hands towards God but some are snatched back down by the evils of this world (and some even become earthly agents that bring about great evil). But even those who suffer and cause suffering will eventually see renewal be it in this life, the cleansing of the afterlife, or in the New Earth (which is an article I intend to write at length on).

Element III

Combining parts of Element I and Element II, we are constantly being renewed now, and if one were to (as impossible as it may be) achieve sinlessness on earth than they are in heaven upon death. However, many of us may require further renewal in the afterlife (even Christians), and I don’t believe (as the Catholics do) that mere confession to a priest prior to death is sufficient. Admittance is a great first step, but this does not wipe the slate clean. In accepting Christ, it does not immediately change one’s heart. Rather, dedication to Christ is dedication to constant moral cleansing throughout one’s life. As Paul says, we are being saved (2 Corinthians 2:15), not saved out right.

This is why we evangelize, as even though my articles seem to imply a level of perennialism, I am not pushing for an, “all roads lead to Rome,” approach. We possess the ultimate truth. Cause even though we should not stop those who are not against us (Mark 9:40), we should also not stop sharing the good news and invite all we meet to join us in our dedication to God, Christ’s sacrifice, and our dedication to live a Holy life.

Element IV

One final point. I am not saying that we are saved by good works. I’m not arguing you help enough old ladies across the street then you get into heaven. For if Christ hadn’t died, we would be continuing in decay once we die no matter how much good we do. It is rather that because Christ has saved us that we have the freedom to escape said decay and such escape is exhibited by the good we do. It is like one who possess a medical condition that doesn’t allow them to be active. If they are healed of that condition they now have the chance to choose activity or not. And their choosing to be active is what leads them into a healthier life.

Appendix A

A thought I had while writing this article was, “Could there be a person who is absolutely evil to the point that their eventual salvation is forced and free will is abandoned?” And to that, I don’t think there would be. If we are born morally neutral, then everyone has a point of reference in their life when they are not wholly evil. So while one could theoretically be wholly good (never sin once your born), the opposite is impossible (be born into sin). And perhaps this is why eternal hell is such a reasonable idea to some because their theology allows for someone to be nothing but evil since they exited the womb.