SIN – Paul uses a few different Greek words to describe sin. “Harmatia” describes sinful acts (Rom. 4:7, 11:27) of all varieties. It links our sins with Christ’s death (1 Cor. 15:3). “Paraptoma” is a false step in contrast with a true one (Rom. 4:25, Gal. 6:14, Eph. 2:1). “Parabasis” is a deviation from true faith, almost (Rom. 2:23, 4:15, Gal. 3:19). “Anomia” is lawlessness or iniquity (2 Cor. 6:14, 2 Thess. 2:3).
Sin is a form of debt that humankind is unable to pay (Rom. 11:30, Eph. 2:2, 5:6, Col. 3:6). It involves both the internal and external, both workings of murder, immorality, drunkenness, homosexuality and attitudes – envy, foolishness, faithlessness (Rom. 1:29-31). Sin is a “bad boss” for unbelievers. It enslaves (Rom. 6:16-17). It disguises the truth (Rom. 1:18). It lies (Rom. 1:25).
SALVATION – Paul is the founding father of the Christian beliefs on what it is “to be saved,” or the ideas of soteriology doctrine. It centers on the grace of God whereby His sense of justice for committed sins is met. He speaks to salvation in four ways…
- Forgiveness. We are forgiven out of God’s grace (Col. 2:13). This grace is a pardon for believers (Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:14).
- Redemption. This Greek “apolutrosis” is payment for a debt. In the Roman world, a slave could be paid for and then set free. In this way, the blood of Christ was paid to set the sinner free from the debt of his/her sins (Rom. 3:24). Jesus’ payment for believers has made them righteous (Rom. 8:23, 1 Cor. 1:30, Gal. 3:13, Eph. 1:7, 14, 4:30, Col. 1:14).
- Propitiation. It (Gk. “hilasmos” or “hilasterion”) means appease, atone, or expiate. This is how Christ’s sacrifice, shed blood, met the demands for sin payment of His followers to a holy and just God to avert His wrath/judgement.
- Justification is the legal act of declaring a believing sinner righteous by way of the blood of Christ (Rom. 5:9), it is by God’s grace (Rom. 3:24), it is by way of one’s faith (Rom. 5:1, Gal. 3:24), and it is apart from the works of the law (Rom. 3:20, Gal. 2:16, 3:11).