1. MAN’S PROBLEM FROM THE BEGINNING IN HIS SIN; AND GOD’S SOLUTION HIS ABUNDANT LOVE EMBODIED IN HIS BELOVED SON, JESUS THE CHRIST Let’s start with the biblical definition of sin: A. Greek -hamartia – 1. "a missing of the mark,” [Vine’s] – 2) that which is done wrong, sin, an offense, a violation of the divine law in thought or in act. [Thayer] 3/5/20091

2. NEW TESTAMENT VERSES (1 John 3:4) "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 5:17) "All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death." (James 4:17 ) "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." 3/5/20092

3. Our topic is man’s problem from the beginning, so let’s go back to the beginning and look at several examples in the history of man. Garden of Eden (Gen 3). World at Noah’s time (Gen 6:5, 11-13). Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 13:13; 18:20; 2 Pet 2:7,8). Period of the judges (Jud 17:6). Israel during the divided kingdom 3/5/20093

4. HOW DOES SIN WORK IN OUR LIVES? HOW DID IT WORK IN THE GARDEN (GEN 3:6)? HOW DID IT WORK IN THE GARDEN (GEN 3:6)? 1 Jn 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.“ Jas 1:14,15 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.“ "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." 3/5/20094

5. WHAT IS THE RESULT OF SIN? Isa 59:1,2 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Ro. 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.“ Ja. 1:15 "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." Jo.8:21 "Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come." 3/5/20095

6. GOD’S ANSWER TO MAN’S PROBLEM. Predicted - Isa 53:5,6,12 His motivation - Jn 3:16 Prophecy fulfilled: – Mt 1:21 ; Mt 2:1 What price did God pay to make salvation available to mankind? – Heb 9:22; 1 Pet 1:18,19 ;Eph 1:7 ; Rev 1:5 3/5/20096