Cox - Definition of Sin & Implications

Question 1

Provide a summary definition of Sin.

Answer 1

The privation (Absence) or the twisting of the good. The good is in God alone and in what He has made. We know the Good through His Laws which are revealed in Scripture and in part through what was been made.

Question 2

Define Idolatry Proper.

Answer 2

To seek “the good” outside of God is to find instead the absence of the good, or evil.

Question 3

Define Sins of Omission.

Answer 3

Failure to do the Good, Falling Short, or Missing the Mark.

Question 4

Define Sins of Commission.

Answer 4

Transgression of any aspect of God’s nature or commands.

Question 5

Define the Locus of the Revelation of Sin.

Answer 5

The revelation of God’s nature discovered by humans in nature, Scripture, and the Person of Jesus Christ.

Question 6

Define the Deceitful Irony of Sin.

Answer 6

Every human sin is an attempt to meet a legitimate God-ordained need or desire in an illegitimate or unauthorized intent or manner.

Question 7

Explain How Sin Twists Our Humanity.

Answer 7

As creatures created as God’s image and likeness, every human sin is in some respect the absence of or the perversion of God’s character and nature.

Question 8

Define the Commonality of Sin.

Answer 8

All sins are equal with respect to what they share in common.

Question 9

Define the Inequality of Sin.

Answer 9

Not all Sins are Equal With Respect to Length of Progression and/or the consequences that may follow. Some sins are greater in God’s sight than others.

Question 10

Define the Blinding Consequences of Sin.

Answer 10

Humans are incapable of recognizing or discerning sin aright independent of God.