elionberger
Hermit
Orthodox Church of Korea
Catechumen
Posts: 65
|
Sin
Jul 26, 2012 0:36:30 GMT 2
Post by elionberger on Jul 26, 2012 0:36:30 GMT 2
What is sin?
I sin every day and pray that I won't. But, like Paul, I do the things I wish I didn't, and don't do the things I wish I did.
So, I think it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on what exactly is sin.
|
|
|
|
Sin
Jul 26, 2012 1:39:32 GMT 2
Post by Vlad on Jul 26, 2012 1:39:32 GMT 2
Sin is described as "Missing the Mark" or, missing the goal of true humanity, which is union with God. Sin acts contrary to humanity, and it separates us from God.
I'm in the exact situation as you, perhaps more than most, but in all honesty, every Christian is, and it would be foolish if a Christian were to assume that they did not sin.
Luckily... There is no sin that God cannot forgive, and God will forgive a repentant heart. It is always possible to reconnect with God. If the sin is noticeable or significant, you should always go to confession, and as you grow, you may stop doing certain sins, but you will also begin to notice certain sins that you didn't notice before.
It's a battle, but, one that can be won if we continue to trust in our Lord, Jesus Christ, who gives us strength to endure.
|
|
elionberger
Hermit
Orthodox Church of Korea
Catechumen
Posts: 65
|
Sin
Jul 26, 2012 6:02:58 GMT 2
Post by elionberger on Jul 26, 2012 6:02:58 GMT 2
From Orthowiki: sin is a kind of disease, an affliction for which salvation is the cure. I understand what sin is inherently, i.e. missing the mark, falling short of God's purpose. This is easy for me to intellectualize. What I would like to hear from people is more of a raw, personal definition of sin. For me, as a catechumen, I am coming face to face with my sin, daily, and it is wearing me out. I pray . . and, at times, don't even feel like I'm really praying. After reading the Screwtape Letters I feel like every thought or motive is the evil one luring me into a trap. My journey to Orthodoxy started when I was a child . . unbeknownst to me . . but, I feel the Spirit always pulling me closer and closer to the Father . . Now that I have publicly and personally claimed a deeper commitment to not only Christ, but to his church and to the Spirit and Father, I am facing a mirror everyday where I see my own personal sin . . and it is ugly . . it truly is a disease for which I pray to God for mercy . . I just hope I am doing it right . . |
|
|
|
Sin
Jul 26, 2012 13:32:33 GMT 2
Post by OrthodoxBrit on Jul 26, 2012 13:32:33 GMT 2
Sin is categorised exactly how Vlad put it, it is missing the mark, that is what the biblical term for Sin actually means. It failing to be Christ-Like in our way of life.
A more raw definition would be that it is an illness or disease from which we suffer, which eats away at us mentally and spiritually. This is why Christ calls himself the Physician. We are all ill with this shortfall and is it one that no human doctor can fix, only Christ. We need him to cure is through the Sacramental and exemplary medicine he provides in his teachings, body and blood.
As for whether you are 'doing it right.' We are all wretched sinners so we all miss the mark a lot and sin every day. Our only real cure is to follow his commandments to the best we can and recieve the Sacramental healing we need (After Baptism/Cristmation for you guys of course) and pray in actions and faith for the cure we wish to recieve.
|
|
