The core of the problem.
Why was sinfulness such an insurmountable problem for humankind? God created Man in his image. However, humankind sinned in the first man Adam. Therefore, Man became unrighteous and lost the image of God. Humankind should have died forever the instant it sinned in the garden of Eden. However, God established the plan of salvation before he created the first man Adam. “For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love.” Ephesians 1:4, NET. In his “forbearance,” God delayed the punishment for sin until, at just the right time, the world’s salvation would become a reality in Jesus Christ, the world’s Savior.
Also, sinful humankind lost the right to eternal life because sin separates the sinner from God, the only source of life. No one could inherit eternity without having eternal life. God determined to remove sin from humankind and give it the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Because sin in the garden of Eden was a deliberate, intelligent decision, humanity subsequently lost the ability to make correct decisions and choices. No descendent of the first Man, Adam could make a deliberate, intelligent decision and reverse the decision that Adam made in the garden of Eden. Even the best possible obedience to God’s commands could not be good enough to remove the sin and justify the sinners. “For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20, NET.
Under the law’s supervision, sinners could do good work. However, they could not do the righteous work. It was so because the law and the sacrificial system could not clear the conscience of the sinners. “This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshipper.” Hebrews 9:9.
How did God make us righteous? Read the next blog.
