Hamartiology is the study of sin. Sin is understood as the violation of God's moral law and a deviation from His righteous standards. Rooted in the biblical narrative, sin entered the world through disobedience, as depicted in the story of Adam and Eve. Christians believe that all humans are inherently sinful, and sin separates individuals from God.
The concept of sin is central to the Christian faith, highlighting the need for redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ. Through repentance and faith, Christians seek forgiveness for their sins, acknowledging Jesus as the atonement for human transgressions. The understanding of sin underscores the importance of humility, self-reflection, and reliance on God's grace in the Christian journey.
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ARTICLES
Hamartiology (SIN)
Hamartiology is the theological study of sin, focusing on its origin, nature, and effects. It is derived from the Greek word "hamartia," meaning "to miss the mark" or "to err." This branch of theology examines how sin impacts the relationship between humanity and God, the moral order of the universe, and the individual's spiritual condition.
The biblical foundation for understanding sin begins with the Fall of Man in Genesis. Genesis 3 narrates the disobedience of Adam and Eve, who ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, contrary to God's command. This act of disobedience is seen as the historical and theological origin of sin, illustrating the fundamental human tendency to rebel against divine authority. Romans 5:12 elaborates on the consequences of this act: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." This passage indicates that sin is not only a personal moral failure but a hereditary condition that affects all of humanity.
1 John 3:4 provides a clear definition of sin from a New Testament perspective: "Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness." This definition emphasizes that sin is fundamentally an act of lawlessness, a violation of God’s laws and commands, which are meant to uphold love, justice, and righteousness.
Hamartiology addresses the seriousness of sin, not only as individual acts of wrongdoing but as a pervasive condition that estranges individuals from God. However, it also explores the remedy for sin provided through Jesus Christ, focusing on redemption, forgiveness, and the restoration of the broken relationship between humanity and God. Thus, while hamartiology deals with the problem of sin, it is inherently connected to soteriology, the study of salvation, affirming the hope Christians have in overcoming sin's power and penalty through Christ.