A Different Viewpoint on Sin

There is need for a fresh emphasis in dealing with the sin problem.

Whereas disobedience has been stressed as the prime cause of disease and death, the real cause is separation from the Source.

This does not mean that violation of law can be treated lightly, for all transgression will certainly bring its train of evil. In fact, the full effect of law-breaking is separation from the Source, not only because of God's total aversion to sin but because of what it is.

And what is sin?

There are many valid answers to this question. It is the transgression of the law, enmity against God, the reign of death, and so on. A definition seldom if ever considered is that it is a humanly devised solution to whatever problem is confronting the person. This becomes very obvious when the reasons for lying, killing, stealing, committing adultery, Sabbathbreaking, idol worship, etc., are considered.

Why does a man kill another?

The victim, with some possible exceptions, has become a problem to him. In some way, he either threatens, deprives, or frustrates the killer to the point where he determines to remove him completely. For the same reason, people tell lies and steal. They know no other way to solve their problems.

The truly important point is that each invention of a human solution rejects God as the Problem-solver. It is installing man in God's place, and, as such, is a definite movement away from God. This is why it is impossible for the sinner to maintain the constant connection with the Source that will replenish the losses caused by sin. His iniquity directly cuts off that connection, for sin in all its forms is a rejection of the divine in favor of the human. Thus, there can never be an immortal sinner.
Consequently, every person should fear that which will in any way break the connection between himself and the infinite Source. He should diligently seek every facility whereby the clearest and most powerful impressions of God's position as the Source, Plan-maker, Burden-bearer, and Problem-solver, are refreshed and strengthened. Only thus can God's children be preserved from the awful loss, wretchedness, and ultimate death which arise out of human self-sufficiency.

As the Source, God cannot be replaced, nor can He give this position and responsibility to another, for there is no creature in existence with the capacity to sustain the entire universe. Should the Almighty cease His work, every living creature would become nonexistent, for nature is not self-sustaining. So God does not hold to His position because of that ambitious pride which leads men to strive for and cling to kingship, but because of His infinite love for His children.

So, in other words, all sinning is the result of selfishness, right? Because we are born separated from God we naturally sin (by default), right?

FW 94
All that man can do without Christ is polluted with selfishness and sin; but that which is wrought through faith is acceptable to God. {FW 94.1}

4T 384, 385
Another book was opened, wherein were recorded the sins of those who profess the truth. Under the general heading of selfishness came every other sin. There were also headings over every column, and underneath these, opposite each name, were recorded, in their respective columns, the lesser sins. {4T 384.3}

Under covetousness came falsehood, theft, robbery, fraud, and avarice; under ambition came pride and extravagance; jealousy stood at the head of malice, envy, and hatred; and intemperance headed a long list of fearful crimes, such as lasciviousness, adultery, indulgence of animal passions, etc. {4T 385.1}

quote:

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The truly important point is that each invention of a human solution rejects God as the Problem-solver.

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This speaks of justifying ourselves, instead of letting God justify us.

So while Phil has listed various methods. However, the one seldom recognized is the religious doctrinal solution that people formulate using God; instead of letting God justify them.