THE ORIGIN OF SINGod’s character is perfect in every way, and His infinite being is unique in its self-existence and complete independence (Ex 3:14). In creation, God could only make what was good, as He is incapable of evil. However, He could not replicate Himself perfectly, for He alone is God. In giving His creatures life, He could not create perfection to His standard. We were thus made in His image, we stand at the pinnacle of His creation, and we are His representatives, but we are without the perfection that He alone has.

The ensuing fall of Satan and the other angels in the Spirit realm was based completely on the desire of the creatures to usurp the glory, position and authority of their Creator (Isa. 14:13-14). Adam and Eve made the same mistake in the Garden of Eden at the hands of the same enemy - they were trying to be like God (Genesis 3:5). This fundamental rebellion from the truth of God’s sovereignty lies at the heart of human evil. Further, because we would have likely acted in the same way Adam and Eve did, the penalty of the curse has been imputed to us (Rom 5:18), and we all bear the guilt of the Garden of Eden.

The consequences of this original sin include God’s curse on mankind (Gen. 3:16-19), and the relegation of the entire creation to a state of groaning and frustration (Rom. 8:22). While we are still partly reflecting God’s image, even in our fallen state, there is no doubt that our separation from God is deep and intensely personal to Him. By the demands of His righteous and just character, this sin must be punished by death (Rom. 6:23).