A Better Understanding of Sin

(series based on Jay Adams' A theology of Christian Counseling)
(condensed and modified in wording and format)

Old Testament Hebrew word... Amal

(literally) labor, sorrow

sin has made life a burden
sin has brought misery, pain, heartache
the 'problem of evil' is bound up in this idea
trouble, travail, weariness are elements of amal

Biblical Antidote: righteousness simplifies and lightens living
(believers are clothed in the righteousness of Christ)
we take His yoke upon us, learn from Him, find rest for our souls
His yoke is easy, His burden is light

A Better Understanding of Sin

(series based on Jay Adams' A Theology of Christian Counseling)
(condensed and modified in wording and format)

Old Testament Hebrew word... Pasha

(literally) rebellion against rightful authority / revolt

treason, rebellion against God, His law, His government
attempt to overthrow God's rule
not 'Thy will be done' but 'mine!'
the wish for autonomy

Biblical antidote: identify and counter the wish for autonomy
come under God's rightful rule

A Better Understanding of Sin

(series based on Jay Adams' A Theology of Christian Counseling)
(condensed and modified in wording and format)

Old Testament Hebrew word... Maal

(literally) a breach of trust, unfaithfulness, treachery

breaking faith, violating a covenantal agreement
with God, or with our neighbor
sin is spiritual adultery, covenant breaking

Biblical antidote: confession of sin and genuine repentance
reconcile and make peace with God, and with our neighbor

A Better Understanding of Sin

(series based on Jay Adams' A Theology of Christian Counseling)
(condensed and modified in wording and format)

Old Testament Hebrew word... Chatha

(literally) to miss the mark, to fall short of, wander from

not measuring up to God's standards
failing to meet His requirements
implies blameworthiness (should have hit the bulls-eye, but didn't)
acts of sin (rather than the condition of sinfulness)
NT Greek counterpart is hamartia

Biblical antidote: remind / be reminded of missing the mark
stop forgetting / do not forget to strive to hit the mark
(motivated by God's love and mercy toward us) obey Him!

A Better Understanding of Sin

(new series - A Better Understanding of Sin)

(series based on Jay Adams' A Theology of Christian Counseling)
(condensed and modified in wording and format)

Old Testament Hebrew word... Avah

(literally) bent, wrong, wrung out of shape

like a bent key that will no longer fit into the lock
twisted out of shape
it can't accomplish the purpose for which it was intended

Biblical antidote: straighten bent lives
enable proper function as God intends

note: parallel New Testament remedy - the word restoration (Gal 6:1)
mending broken bones and torn nets
make them functional once again