By Nick Bibile
God is perfect, holy, and good. This raises an important question: If God is good, why is there sin in the world? Did sin originate from God?
Absolutely not.
God’s nature is infinitely holy and righteous; therefore, sin cannot come from Him. Scripture clearly affirms this:
“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)
“Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.” (Job 34:10)
(See also James 1:13)
Man was created in the image of God. Adam was originally perfect, righteous, and holy, enjoying fellowship with God.
However, God did not create man as a robot. Adam and Eve were given the freedom to obey or disobey Him.
God commanded Adam:
“You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” (Genesis 2:17)
When Adam and Eve disobeyed, sin entered the human race. The image of God in man was marred, fellowship with God was broken, and humanity became sinful.
The effects were immediate and devastating. Their first son, Cain, became a murderer—demonstrating how deeply sin had corrupted human nature.
Sin created a separation between God and man—a gap that man is completely unable to bridge on his own.
Inherited sin, often called original sin, refers to the condition passed down from Adam to all humanity.
He lost fellowship with God
He lost true communion with God
He lost righteousness before God
The process of decay and death began
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
When Adam sinned, all humanity fell in him. Just as we inherit physical traits from our ancestors, we also inherit a sinful nature from Adam.
We are not sinners merely because we commit sins; rather, we commit sins because we are sinners by nature.
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5)
Even in early childhood, this nature becomes evident. A child does not need to be taught to sin—it comes naturally.
“Who can bring what is pure from the impure? No one!” (Job 14:4)
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that all humanity is affected:
“Many died through one man’s trespass” (Romans 5:15)
“Death reigned through that one man” (Romans 5:17)
“One trespass led to condemnation for all men” (Romans 5:18)
“By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners” (Romans 5:19)
“In Adam all die” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
“You were dead in your transgressions and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1)
This spiritual death results in what is called total depravity. This does not mean that man is as evil as he could possibly be, but that every part of his being—mind, will, body, and soul—has been corrupted by sin.
The heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9)
Man is separated from God (Isaiah 59:2)
Sinners cannot dwell with a holy God (Psalm 5:4)
God’s standard is perfect righteousness, revealed in His law. Yet Scripture declares:
“There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10)
Because man is spiritually dead:
He cannot understand God
He cannot accept spiritual truth
He cannot seek God on his own
“The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… they are foolishness to him.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
“There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.” (Romans 3:11)
Even when people appear to seek God, they often seek a version of God that tolerates sin rather than the holy God of Scripture.
From a human perspective, many people appear good. But God judges not only outward actions, but also the heart, motives, and thoughts.
Jesus taught that even lust is adultery in the heart.
Our “good works” fall far short of God’s standard:
“All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6)
“Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8)
Sin is not merely a mistake—it is rebellion against an infinitely holy God.
The seriousness of a crime depends on the one against whom it is committed. Since God is infinite in holiness, sin against Him carries infinite guilt.
“If a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” (1 Samuel 2:25)
God’s justice demands punishment:
“The Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.” (Nahum 1:3)
Man was obligated to obey God’s law. When he sinned, he became morally indebted to God.
This debt is infinite because it is against an infinite God—and man cannot repay it.
Christ came to pay this debt:
“You were redeemed… not with silver or gold… but with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18–19)
Sin breaks relationship with God.
“The sinful mind is hostile to God.” (Romans 8:7)
Reconciliation is therefore necessary:
“We have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:11)
Teaches that man can be
righteous by his own ability without divine help.
This view
denies original sin and undermines the need for Christ.
Teaches that man needs
grace but has the ability to accept or reject it.
This view
weakens the doctrine of grace and gives man a role in salvation.
Teaches total depravity and the absolute necessity of God’s grace.
Man is spiritually dead and unable to come to God unless God first works in him.
“You were dead in your transgressions… but because of his great love… God made us alive with Christ… it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:1–5)
Man is not merely sick—he is spiritually dead. Therefore, salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace.
Sin is not a minor issue—it is a deep corruption of human nature, a rebellion against God, a debt we cannot pay, and a broken relationship we cannot restore.
But the same God who is just is also merciful.
What man could never do, God has done through Jesus Christ.