6. How can humans receive forgiveness of and freedom from sin?

Biblical definitions of sin include: “the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4); a failure to act by anyone who “knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it” (James 4:17); and “whatever is not from faith” (Romans 14:23). The New Testament emphasizes the results of humanity’s bondage to sin as innate sinful nature (Romans 3; Romans 7).JTL13 4.5

Because we have inherited Adam’s sinful nature, we are unable to do anything about our sin and guilt ourselves. “But thank God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Because Jesus remained sinless in His humanity on earth and became obedient even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:6-8), He earned the right to be our Redeemer (Isaiah 41:14), bearing the penalty for our sins on the cross of Calvary. While one man’s trespass and disobedience led to condemnation, one Man’s obedience and acts of righteousness brought life (Romans 5:18, 19). Hallelujah!JTL13 4.6