This article was difficult to write. It was assigned with a chuckle and a hearty “have fun with that!” So what is this topic that I have avoided, you ask? The origin of sin. This would be easier if it were original sin. Discussing Adam, the fall, and the imputation of sin is less daunting than the question of sin’s source.

At first the simple answer “Satan” seems to suffice. Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 speak of Lucifer’s desire to usurp the worship of God for himself and supplant the glory of God for his own. But simply ascribing the origin of sin to Lucifer leaves unanswered questions. Is sin something that was created? If it was created, does that mean something other than God created it? Is sin a thing that needed required creation or is it a by-product of the existence of God? When the Scripture refers to all things created by Him and for Him, does it include sin?

I think it should be stated that as I understand Scripture, it is not exactly stated where sin originated. There are some things within the counsel of God that are mysterious, and this appears to be one of them. However, seeking God and His truth is always beneficial for our finite minds as we acknowledge our limitations and extol His greatness. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! (Rom. 11:33) An examination of the origin of sin is useful because it points us to His holiness and our need for rescue.

The Augustinian viewpoint that sin began as an act of the will has generally not been questioned in orthodox Christianity. If we examine Lucifer’s attitudes and actions involved in his fall we see that he longed to be worshiped. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. (Is. 14:14)  Ultimately that desire to be worshiped, to be the center of all things, is central to all sin. It is the lie he told man in the garden, you will be like God (Gen. 3:5).

Sin being an act of the will to usurp the glory and authority that is God’s, must have its origin after God created beings capable of will. Yet even if the origin of sin itself is a mystery held within the counsel of God, it can be clearly understood that it did not occur as a surprise to God. As the Westminster Confession of Faith (VI:I) asserts: This their [Adam and Eve's] sin God was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to order it to his own glory. God created a universe in which sin could exist, yet it is clear that God did not sin nor can He sin since His nature is to love His Glory above all things.

This leaves us in a place were we must cherish the greatness of our God and His grace to us.  For He knew us before the foundations of the world and so that His purpose in election might stand, predestined us to the adoption of sons. Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…. (Romans 7:25a and 8:1)