Sin

This section explains how Christians view sin. In Christian belief, sin is any action or thought that goes against God's will. Sin creates a separation between humans and God, leading to both spiritual and, potentially, eternal consequences. However, Christians believe that God, in His infinite love and mercy, has provided a way for humanity to overcome sin.

God granted humans free will, meaning that they have the ability to choose between good and evil. While this allows for moral growth and responsibility, it also means that humans are capable of making sinful choices.

Christians believe that only God has the power to resolve the problem of human sinfulness. He did this by offering salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died to atone for humanity’s sins.

Original Sin

The concept of original sin is particularly significant in Christian theology. Many Christians believe that all humans are descended from Adam and Eve, the first humans created by God, and that they have inherited a tendency to disobey God as a result of the first sin committed by Adam and Eve.

According to Genesis 3, original sin entered the world when Adam and Eve were tempted by the Devil in the Garden of Eden. Despite God's clear command not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they succumbed to temptation and disobeyed Him.

‘When the woman saw the fruit of the tree she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband and he ate it.’
— Genesis 3:6

As a consequence of their actions, Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, and suffering, death, and moral corruption entered the world. This event is often referred to as the Fall, symbolising the broken relationship between humanity and God.

Consequences of Original Sin

Christian teachings suggest that original sin has long-lasting effects on all humans. It is believed to be the reason for moral weaknesses, suffering, and the inclination to commit sin. Some Christians, particularly within the Catholic tradition, believe that original sin is inherited by all human beings and can only be removed through the sacrament of baptism.

Salvation and Redemption

Despite the separation caused by sin, Christianity teaches that God offers a way for humanity to be reconciled with Him. This is achieved through the incarnation and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Many Christians believe that Jesus, as God the Son, took on human form and willingly died on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity. This act of atonement restored the possibility of eternal life with God.

Through faith in Jesus Christ and good works, Christians believe they can receive forgiveness and be saved from the eternal consequences of sin. This doctrine is central to Christian theology and underlines the importance of grace, repentance, and redemption in the Christian life.