In the Beginning
(Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)
Originally, God created the first humans (Adam & Eve); they enjoyed a personal relationship with Him. God gave his originally created human beings free choice to love and obey him. Unfortunately, they rebelled against God and this sinful rebellion continues until this day and will continue until the end of this world. This rebellion is called sin. Sin is the breaking of God’s law (1 John 3:4). When sin entered the world the Bible teaches that death entered (Romans 5:12).
Separated By Sin
(Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1)
Human being’s close relationship with God was broken because of sin. Every person is born with a sinful nature (i.e., a nature to do wrong). The Bible goes even further and says we were all conceived in iniquity (or wickedness) (Psalm 51:5).
The Penalty of Sin
The wages of sin is death. The ultimate result of this spiritual death is eternity separated from God. Humanity is sinful and God is holy (i.e., separate, distinct, in a class by Himself). A holy and just God cannot dwell with sin.
Human Efforts Are Useless
(Isaiah 64:4; Romans 3:10-12; Ephesians 2:8-9)
We are all sinful and God is holy. This creates a great divide that can’t be crossed by humanity which makes a relationship with God impossible. The Bible makes plain that “as it is written, there is none righteous, not even one”. It is because of God’s great love and grace toward us that we are rescued from the destruction of sin if we believe.