Bothersome Sin
Sin in the New Testament
The Sin Behind Sin
The origin of sin
Five Things to Consider When Confronting a Friend
How God Sees Me
Where do you find your identity? The gospel tells us that because of our union with Christ we are no longer defined by sin. We are called according to God’s purpose and given a secure future where we shall enjoy an endless fellowship with God.
Ten Things You Should Know about Original Sin
This article points to ten things you should know about original sin.
How Do I Know Sin?
Original Sin
The Knowledge of Sin
What Ever Happened to Sin?
What happened to sin? This article explains that sin and the sinfulness of man have been trivialized, negating the need for Christ. The article considers some of the claims of Joel Osteen, and in turn reveals what the Bible teaches about sin and hope in Christ.
Five Searchlights on Sin
Sin and Sinning
How Does Sin Even Serve to the Welfare of God's People?
Sin
Four Things to Remember After You Have Sinned
Christians fall into sin too. What should you do when you have fallen into sin? Here are four things to remember.
Genuine Sorrow...Wholehearted Joy: The Why, When, and How of Confession
Conviction of sin is hardly possible in today's Western culture. We believe not in sin and forgiveness but in illness and recovery. Increasingly, the people who gather in churches for worship come expecting to have their self-esteem enhanced.
Just Like Toddlers
This article explains three behaviours produced by sin that reveal we are like toddlers in many ways: rebellion, foolishness, and paralysis.
This Side of Heaven On Earth, Every Silver Lining has a Cloud
The Real Problem
Thank You, Lord
The Idea of Sin in Twentieth-Century Theology
One looks almost in vain for a major discussion of sin during the twentieth century. Does guilt before God still have meaning in the context of modern developments such as Marxism and psycho-analitical approaches to who man is? This essay attempts to examine the way that theology has sought to come to terms with the idea of sin during the twentieth century.
Colossians 3:5-11 – Putting Sin to Death
Colossians 3:5-11 shows us how to put sin to death. Paul urges us to truly understand our sinfulness, and then to purposefully put away this sin.
The Genesis of Sin
Where do temptation and testing come from? How do we keep away from temptation and sin? This article weighs in.
The Development of Sin
This article shows from the biblical account how sin develops. It also shows how God works in his sovereignty in relation to this development.
Totally Depraved
Adam’s fall brought with it death and pollution of sin. Because we stand in a relationship with him as representative head of all humanity, we inherit the results of the fall, among which is total depravity.
Do You Really Preach Sin Properly?
Preaching on sin is not easy. How can you preach sin properly? This article offers fifteen things to consider when preaching about sin.
The Evil of Sin
Why is sin evil? This article explains that it is a rejection of God's goodness and a misuse and mutation of his gifts.
Our Death in Adam
'Asham
Why Celebrate Christmas? Three Reasons to Rejoice in the Birth of Jesus
The article provides three reasons to celebrate and rejoice at Christmas. These reasons involve the devil, sin, and the kingship of Jesus.
A Discourse of Mortification
This article inquires on the nature of mortification. It therefore explores such terms as sin, spiritual warfare, dying to sin, and dying to this world.
The Rationale of Hell
The idea of the infinite magnitude of sin in God's estimation is compared to the magnitude of sin in its punishment. In doing this the author of the article engages the views and sermons of Jonathan Edwards who used particularly the theme of hell in his evangelistic sermons.
Patristic Views on Hell (Part 2)
This article focuses on the understanding of Augustine of hell. In his approach to the doctrine, he was concerned with the right perspective on the justice of God. The article also indicates how Augustine responded to attempts to tone down the nature or duration of hell. Next, the article gives an evaluation of Augustine's position and the role the demonic played in his views of sin and punishment.
The Wrath of God
The author refutes the theological claims of C. H. Dodd, who sees the concept of the wrath of God as having a diminished place in the Bible. The author finds that the wrath of God is an important part of the inspired Scriptures. Further, he finds this doctrine to be an essential aspect of the doctrine of God, of sin, of atonement, the love of God, of judgment, and of hell.
Does 1 Corinthians 10:13 Imply Libertarian Freedom? A Reply to Paul A. Himes
What is the nature of human freedom in light of man's natural tendency towards sin? This article responds to a previous article in the journal by Paul Himes who argued that 1 Corinthians 10:13 provides good evidence in favour of libertarianism, at least in situations in which Christians are tempted to sin. Cowan argues contrary to Himes that the text actually supports a compatibilist view of freedom.
Run! Run Away!
Run! This is the command Christians must heed when they face sin and temptation. This is what God tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 1 Timothy 6:9-11. We are both to run away from spiritual danger and to run after spiritual good.
Tough Topics – Could Jesus have Sinned
Jesus “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Chapter 4 reflects on the question whether Jesus could have sinned at all.
The Utter Devastation of Sin
Sin is so evil that it leaves its lingering scent behind. Understanding the evilness of sin should encourage Christians to kill it. The article explains.
Condone, Condemn, or Mourn?
What should be the proper response of Christians towards sin? Whether over personal sin or the sins of others, Christians are called to mourn over sin. This is a sign of humility.
In Adam's Fall We Sinned All
This article considers the pitfall of placing in preaching an emphasis on justification while neglecting the call to put sin to death and pursue personal holiness.
Guilt and the Gospel
1 Corinthians 15:56 – Law, Sin, and Death: An Edenic Triad?
For many exegetes 1 Corinthians 15:56 is puzzling. In this article, Vlachos wants to examine this text carefully and evaluate previous attempts to explain the presence of the triad of law, sin, and death in the letter. He suggests that the text should be interpreted as an epigram that referred to the garden of Eden.
Whatever Happened to Sin?
Why Christians Are Upset about Their Sins Even Though They Are Forgiven?
Revolutions in Worldview – The Hebrew World-and-Life View
When You Are Planning to Sin Again
What should you do when sin is once again in your sight? Confess, only to then ignore your confession? This article discusses how to move beyond patterns of denial or complacency. To that end, it considers the respective roles of grace and law in our life.
Proofs, Pride, and Incarnation: Is Natural Theology Theologically Taboo?
The author shows in this essay that there is no theological reason to abandon natural theology. He believes that theistic arguments could be used profitably in Christian apologetics and evangelistic endeavors.
Immanuel in Our Place – Paradise Gained and Lost: Sacred Space from the Beginning
Chapter 1 gives an overview of theological motifs in Genesis 2 and Genesis 3: man as image of God, sacred space, the Garden of Eden, evil, and sin. A text to be noted in particular is Ezekiel 31:8. The chapter ends with questions for further reflection.
Let the Reader Understand – Truth, Language, and Sin
The volume is a study of hermeneutics. In Chapter 1 the foundation is laid for a proper understanding of the task of interpretation of Scripture by spelling out the presuppositions of responsible interpretation.
Sin Offends God
A Fight to the Death – Think About This
Chapter 1 is a reflection upon the seriousness of sin.
Killing Your Sin
The Doctrine of Original Sin
This article explains the relationship between original sin and actual sin, pointing out that actual sin is the fruit of original sin. It also discusses God's punishment of sin.
Adam's Fall and Mine
How can God be just by counting us guilty based on the fall into sin? This article looks at three theories that attempt to answer this question: the mythical view that treats that story of the fall as a myth, the realism view that claims that mankind actively sinned with Adam, and the federal view which shows that original sin does not refer to the first sin but to the result of that first sin because Adam acted as our representative.
Presbyterian Doctrine of Total Depravity
A faulty doctrine of sin has serious consequences for the church and its teaching on salvation, but good theology must start with man as bad. This is where the Reformers and the Reformed confessions start—with total depravity. For them the doctrine of total depravity did not mean that man ceases to be man, but it meant that he ceases to be good. The article outlines all of this.
John Wesley's Concept of Sin
John Wesley's doctrine of Christian perfection makes it necessary for him to make clear how he understands the doctrine of sin. He had a specific view of holiness. In this paper the author's intention is to clarify Wesley's concept of sin.
Saved by Grace – Dead in Sin: Ephesians 2:1-3
Chapter 1 is a reflection upon what sin is and the consequences thereof, expressed in Ephesians 2:1-3.
What Happens after I Die – Death's Universal Reign
Fallen – Sin's Contemporary Significance
Chapter 1 distinguishes the doctrine of sin’s intrinsic and contemporary significance. A deeper understanding of the cross of Christ is possible by gaining a deeper grasp of the nature of sin.
Seventeenth-Century Teaching on the Christian Life (1)
The Roman and Reformed tradition produced two different traditions on the Christian life. This article looks at these two traditions through the eyes of Francis de Sales, Richard Baxter, and John Owen. Here focus is on their view of man and sin.
Facing the Ugly
Psalm 51: A Song of Brokenness
Galatians 6:1-5 - Christ’s Burden-Bearers (2)
How can we best to relate to a brother who has fallen into sin? This article shows that the objective is to restore such a brother to Christ. Working from Galatians 6:1-5, the author here defines the type of believer who requires such a restoration; namely, one who is grieved by sin and desires repentance. This brother can be restored through love and humility, since we are all sinners. The goal is to restore this brother to the assurance of Christ love.
Galatians 6:1-5 - Christ’s Burden-Bearers (1)
How can we best to relate to a brother who has fallen into sin? This article shows that the objective is to restore such a brother to Christ. Working from Galatians 6:1-5, the author here defines the type of believer who requires such a restoration; namely, one who is grieved by sin and desires repentance. This brother can be restored through love and humility, since we are all sinners. The goal is to restore this brother to the assurance of Christ love.
Freedom Found in the Fishbowl
Man is only free when he lives in obedience to God. Outside of this obedience is death. However, this is not what the devil wants you to believe. In this article the author shows the deception of sin, and how one becomes a slave to sin. The author encourages youth to learn the path of sin and to stay far from it, so that they can live their life in true freedom in Christ.
The Creation and Fall of Man (4): Man Created Good, Yet Able to Sin
Fighting the Enemy Within
Original Sin: A Difficult Doctrine
Original Sin in the Structure of our Being
Looking at Original Sin Together With Others
God and Our Original Sin
Confession from the Pulpit
The Incarnate Hope for a World in Turmoil
The Cross (Part 1): The True Cause of Christ's Death
The Lord's Prayer (Part 5): Forgiveness
This is the fifth article in a seven part series on the Lord's Prayer. Praying for forgiveness (the fifth petition) is necessary because sin is directed against God. The author discusses the relationship between confession of sins and repentance, and points to God as the model for forgiveness.
Psalm 51 - Un-Sin Me, Lord!
This Side of Heaven
Do You Love Me?
Bondage of the Will
How Should We Then Defend?
Using homosexuality and abortion as examples, this article shows how sin works to the point that vices become embraced as the norm. The author of this article encourages Christians to use the unreasonableness of sin as a foundation for apologetics.
Reflecting Sin: The Pedagogical Use of the Law
The Still Small Voice
The Wisdom of Martyn Lloyd-Jones
The Gospel and Total Depravity
This article looks at how the doctrine of sin and total depravity can be applied to both believers and unbelievers.
A Low Sense of Self-Esteem
Where Have the Saints Gone?
A God-Centered Understanding of Sin
Challenging the modern trend of divorcing morality from God, this article shows that sin is primarily an attack on God. The author discusses this using the example of adultery and envy. The fact that God is the Creator causes sin to be against Him, and sin mars the character of God. The author highlights implications of this for pastoral care.
Is Idolatry the New Sin?
Soteriology Notes: The Doctrine of Sin (Part 2)
In this article are notes on the doctrine of sin, highlighting the results of sin on unbelievers and the concept of total depravity. The discussion of free will and the bondage of the will forms part of these notes. The author also looks at how sin was viewed through history.
Soteriology Notes: The Doctrine of Sin
This article is on the doctrine of sin. The author describes the different views on the nature of man, the Fall, and the impact of the Fall on mankind.