We know that sin, as such, does not exist as its own substance. Sin is the absence of something, the vandalization of something, but not its own something. Sin is the absence of good, the act of taking something good and twisting it, profaning it, or otherwise rendering it imperfect. Satan was created completely good, but then twisted himself by trying to make himself equal with God. Adam and Eve were created good, bearing the image of God, but violated God's express will and damaged (but not destroyed) the image of God they bore. Everything that departs from God's perfection is sin.
But this doesn't address the question that was asked. Where did the desire to sin come from?
If Satan was good before sinning, then desiring to sin would be sinful, wouldn't it? If Adam and Eve were really created good, then why would they ever desire to depart from God's express will? Jesus was tempted in every way we are, and yet was without sin - but did He desire to sin?
They were all given the freedom to make choices, and sin was inevitable for mankind, but that doesn't explain where the desire to sin came from. The mere existence of choice does not create desire.
So what I'm going to do with this post is to throw it out there and see what you think. Please feel free to add your own comments as to where you think the desire to sin came from in beings that were sinless at one time.
(All I ask is that you show respect for everyone, that you not become argumentative, that you not criticize anyone else's idea, and that you post only one time. Consider this a survey, not a debate.)
If you'd rather not post your idea publicly, then send me an email.
I'll let this run a week or two, and then summarize my thoughts on the matter.
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1 comment:
Well the best way I can answer is to say "The grass is always greener on the other side". It's not so much a desire to "sin", at least that's not what it starts out as. It's a wondering mind of "what would it be like...". In both the cases you mentioned, someone ended up being jealous of God. Satan wanted to know what it was like to have God's power. In Satan's position, he probably felt "second best". and he wanted to know what it was like to be "the best". Eve was tempted by Satan yes, but Satan used her own mind against her. He made her think, "Why shouldn't I know what God knows? What would it be like if I did know?" So, wondering thoughts ultimately cause the desire to sin. And just like you said, since the choice to sin is there, we are free to sin and see how it turns out for us. And sometimes we don't think the payment will be too bad, with the spoils we might receive.
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