An Introduction to Christian Ethics

The Fall, Human Nature and Sin

In Genesis chapter 3, the account that Christians call "The Fall" is described. Adam and Eve, the first humans, use their God-given freewill to choose not to do God's will. A serpent tempted them and they chose to disobey God. The consequence of this was extreme. Suffering came into the previously perfect world. A tension between the animal and human kingdoms occurred (Genesis chapter 3 verse 15). From then on, the Bible states that childbirth would be difficult and the relationship between men and women wouldn't always be easy (Genesis chapter 3 verse 16). Humans would have to work hard to live (verses 17-18) and death became part of life (verse 19). Adam and Eve also had to leave the Garden of Eden. They were separated from God.

This rejection of God in the Garden of Eden is called ORIGINAL SIN. Christians believe that now, after the fall, our human nature has a tendency to turn away from God. This is due to original sin. This tendency to turn away from God is called SIN.

"Sin" is not doing wrong things (although doing wrong things are "sins"). Sin is an attitude or desire to rebel against God. It is selfishness, or putting oneself in the place of God.