“…the soul that sins will die…”
(Genesis 2:17 & Ezekiel 18:4)

Part One

Sin is an act that is originally motivated by a thought but is actually carried out through a decision. The Bible explains this process by saying, “…each one is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own lust. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15)

The result of one’s chosen sin is – spiritual death!  When James used the word “lust” he was referring to what Paul described to the church in Rome as, “…my sinful nature.” (Romans 7:18) This specifically relates to the strong propensity toward sin that lives inside of every human being (see Romans 7:14-25). This ongoing condition, inherited from Adam is what David was describing when he wrote, “In sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalm 51:5) He was not saying that his mother was immoral, but that – as an unborn infant, he like all other men, was born with a sinful nature! This universally present sin nature is the ongoing result of Adam and Eve’s sin (see Genesis 3:1-7).

Part Two

Understandably, you are not judged by God for having a sinful nature. Said simply, we must each personally commit sin in order to be guilty of sin. Why? Because the Bible teaches that sin is an act growing out of personally giving in to temptation. James describes this by explaining that once, “…lust is conceived…” giving birth “…to sin…” (James 1:14-15), spiritual death always follows.

James makes it clear that we are not judged by God for Adam’s sin, but for our own sin. As a Biblical example, Eve personally chose to disobey God. How did she do that? By misusing her God-given free will. She was guilty of a thought which became a chosen sinful action. That simple process later described by James has never changed.

Making this easy to understand, no one will ever be judged for anyone else’s “transgression of the law…” (1 John 3:4) or their failure “…to do what is right.” (Micah 6:8)  Because of Eve’s first sin everyone born since then has had a “…sin nature…” (Romans 7:17) and that condition makes us highly vulnerable to temptation. Additionally, as we all know at some point, either in childhood or in early life – some form of sin has been personally committed by everyone. How do we know this? Because the Bible clearly states that, “…all have sinned…” (Romans 3:23), so everyone needs forgiveness.

Part Three

It is important to remember that regardless of our sin, “…it is the will of God that none should perish.” (2 Peter 3:9)  Simply said, God greatly loves us and fully comprehends our spiritual need. That is why the Good News of the gospel wonderfully exists!

Clearly, being virgin born, the Son of man did not have a fallen sinful nature. Unlike us, Jesus’ Father was not Joseph or Adam, but – God the Father. This is why, “…Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil…” (John 4:1), but when severely tempted in His manhood, He victoriously chose not to sin!

Our sins of both commission (Romans 6:23) and omission (James 4:17) are equally the result of our own choices. Every sin requires a personal decision! God is both fair and gracious, so He wants everyone to be saved. This is why He provided a plan for redemption which can be freely chosen by any sinner. The Bible summarizes this by explaining, “whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18)  Forgiveness requires faith, which is based on one’s decision to believe God – so both sin and salvation depend on everyone’s personal choice.

Part Four

The reason why unborn babies are blessed to go straight to heaven when they die is because they have never chosen to commit a sin. Therefore, they are still innocent and have no need for repentance. This further explains why in Scripture no babies were ever baptized. In contrast, the examples of young believers like – Samuel, David, and John Mark were boys who were old enough to have already sinned. They could also think and respond to God’s leading with understanding. They were usable, because in each case, they chose to believe God and personally obey Him.

Sadly, following the New Testament era, false teachings began entering and weakening the ministry of the Christian church. It was centuries later when the Reformation began restoring first century doctrine to the Lord’s churches. Sin had long since taken place by adding non-Biblical practices that departed from Scriptural teachings. This took many forms and sadly, in some churches they still exist today. Consider God’s warning written by the Apostle John, “I testify to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)

In summary, our understanding of sin and spiritual death, according to Scripture is crystal clear, so you can prayerfully review the verses covered in this series if and when related questions arise. James wrote very clearly on this important subject.