Contrasting Biblical Understanding of Sin with Those of Other

Faiths and Explaining Sin and Salvation to Them

Submitted To

Global School of Open Learning

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirement for the Course No. DT 535

THEOLOGY - I

by

Vivek Ray
ID No. M14J002

31 January, 2018

GLOBAL SCHOOL OF OPEN LEARNING

Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3

2. Nature of Sin According to Bible ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.1 Universal Nature of Sin ................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Personal Nature of Sin ..................................................................................................... 4

3. Jesus’ Attitude to sinners .................................................................................................... 5

4. Analysis of Interviews about Understanding of Sin in Other Faiths .................................. 5

4.1 Understanding of Sin according to a Hindu ..................................................................... 5

4.1 Understanding of Sin according to Muslim ..................................................................... 6

5. Explaining Sin and Salvation to those of other faiths ........................................................ 7

6. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 8

7. Bibliography ....................................................................................................................... 8

Appendix A: Transcript of Interview with A Hindu ................................................................ 10

Appendix B: Transcript of Interview with Muslim Couple ..................................................... 12

2
1. Introduction

Sin is a difficult topic to discuss. Erikson observes, “Sin, like death not a pleasant and
enjoyable topic. It depresses us. We do not like to think of ourselves as bad or evil persons. Yet
the doctrine of sin teaches us that this is what we are by nature.”1 One cannot talk about Jesus
Christ as saviour without first giving a Biblical understanding of sin and our own fallen nature.
Before this, it is important that we try to understand other person’s perspective on the subject.

For this purpose I interviewed two friends (one Hindu and other Muslim), both zealous in their
faith to find their understanding of sin (transcript given as Appendix). Then in this writing there
perspective is contrasted with nature of sin as given in the Bible. Further, I have examined
Jesus’ attitude towards sin and sinners and made an attempt on how we may explain sin and
salvation to those of other faith.

2. Biblical Teaching on Sin

Easton’s Bible dictionary defines sin as follows:

Sin “is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God” (1John 3:4; Rom_4:15),
in the inward state and habit of the soul, as well as in the outward conduct of the life, whether
by omission or commission (Rom 6:12-17; 7:5-24). It is “not a mere violation of the law of our
constitution, nor of the system of things, but an offense against a personal lawgiver and moral
governor who vindicates his law with penalties.”2

It is understood from this definition that sin can be properly defined only in relationship with
the nature and attributes of God. Hence a person’s understanding of sin will depend on his
understanding of God himself.

Bible teaches nature of sin being universal as well as the personal responsibility of every
individual towards his or her sins.

2.1 Universality of Sin

God created everything good (Genesis 1:31). Sin, though already present in the angelic world,3
entered human race with the disobedience of our first parent, when they ate of the fruit of tree

1
Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Publishing Group, 1990), 663
2
M. G. Easton, s.v. “Sin” in Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Public Domain, 1897). e-Sword 11.1.0
3
Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology, An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Hyderabad: OM Books,
2018). 412-14

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of knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 3:1-19). This in many ways typical of sin generally.
Grudem observes that it stuck at the basis of knowledge, moral standards and identity as it gave
different answers to three important questions, 1. “What is true?” 2. “What is right?” and 3.
“Who am I?”4 This affected the entire mankind in two specific ways:

a. Inherited Guilt: Since Adam was the legal head and representative of the entire human
race, his sin was imputed on us. Paul says, “Therefore….sin came into the world
through one man and death through sin, so death spread to all men because all men
sinned.” (Rom 5:12) Though some theologians may disagree with the Paul’s literal
meaning, Erickson argues that “it is clear that he certainly is saying that death originated
in the human race because of Adam’s sin. He is also saying that death is universal and
the cause of this is the universal sin of mankind.”5

b. Inherited Depravity: All mankind have inherited the sinful nature from Adam. Paul
affirms that we have a natural disposition to sin before becoming a Christian, “we were
by nature children of wrath, like rest of mankind.” Grudem says, “Anyone who have
raise children have experiential testimony to the fact that we all are born with a
tendency to sin. Children discover by themselves to do wrong.”6

Bible says that in our nature we totally lack spiritual good before God (Rom7:18, Titus
1:15, Jer 17:9). In our actions we are totally unable to do spiritual good and are not
pleasing to God as they do not proceed from faith or love to him. In our view we may
do much good, but Isaiah affirms “all our righteous deeds are like polluted garments”
(Isa 64:6, cf Rom3:9-20).

2.2 Personal Responsibility of Sin

Psalmist says, “They have all gone astray, they are all alike corrupt; there is none that is good,
no one (Ps 14:3). Paul says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23).
James admits, “We all make many mistakes” (James 3:2). John writes, “If we say we have no
sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). The fact is that every human
being has sinned as an individual, knowingly or unknowingly transgressing God’s law. It is

4
Ibid, 492-93
5
Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Publishing Group, 1990), 636
6
Grudem, Systematic Theology, 496

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true that because of inherited sin nature, every man finds himself unable to avoid sin. But our
responsibility is not limited by our ability. Grudem states:

“The true measure of our responsibility and guilt is not our own ability to obey God, but rather
the absolute perfection of God’s moral law and his holiness (which is reflected in that law).”

Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt 5:48). God’s
standard is perfection. The moral law of God explicitly given in the Bible hold us personally
responsible for our sinful attitude and actions.

3. Jesus’ Attitude to sin and sinners

Jesus welcomed sinners and offered them forgiveness and love, and gave them understanding
and care. He drew, sought and made friends with most despised member of society. When
criticized by the scribes and Pharisees he responded by the parable of lost sheep, lost coin and
prodigal son. He saw sinners as being diseased, desperately needing a cure. He said, “It is not
the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
(Mark 2:17).

It does not imply that Jesus condoned sin or was soft about it. In Sermon of the Mount he raised
the standard of the law from mere outward observance to the attitude of the heart. He gave hard
truth that sometimes offended people (John 6:60-61, Mark 6:3), and held people personally
responsible for their sins (John5:14, John 8:11). At the same time He had compassion at their
hopeless condition (Matt 9:36), being slave to sin (John 8:34). The purpose of Jesus’ ministry
on earth was the save sinners from this condition.

4. Analysis of Interviews about Understanding of Sin in Other Faiths

4.1 Understanding of Sin according to a Hindu

According to the interview with Govind, my Hindu friend (Appendix A)7 sin is a wrong deed
that is against ‘dharma’8 that would accumulate as bad karma. Unlike Bible there is no original
sin. He believes that soul is pure, but a person sins because of the attachment of human body

7
Govind Baibhaw, "Understanding Sin According to Hindu Faith," telephone interview by author, January 13,
2019. (Transcript available as Appendix A on page 9)
8
Dharma for a Hindu means the eternal and inherent nature of reality, regarded in Hinduism as a cosmic law
underlying right behaviour and social order.
("Dharma | Definition of Dharma in English by Oxford Dictionaries," Oxford Dictionaries | English, , accessed
January 27, 2019, https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/dharma.)

5
with the material world (samsara) which is evil. (This is similar to some gnostic teachings).
The suffering or blessings in the material world are because of one’s karma accumulated from
previous births. Therefore for a Hindu, salvation means breaking away from the everlasting
cycle of rebirth in the material birth and be united with the Supreme Spirit and attaining eternal
bliss by perfecting his karma. In absence of a personal and righteous God, sin is not against
God, and one is responsible only to himself. There is no final judgement for ‘adharma’ only
consequences such as inferior birth, demonic wombs (preta yoni), sickness and sufferings in
next birth. A person may become increasingly sinless by works of dharma such as austerities
(tapah), chanting mantras, sacrifices, charity etc.; gaining knowledge under an able guru, and
through devotion. The interviewee claims that several great and holy men of past attained a
sinless state by these means. Without any absolute standards of perfection a Hindu sees sin and
perfection only in relative terms. Salvation means to him means losing his identity and
becoming one for ever with “ultimate reality”. Biblical salvation is being with a personal God
all through eternity, enjoying Him forever.

4.1 Understanding of Sin according to Muslim

According to the Muslim couple interviewed (Appendix B)9 sin is a deed that is done against
one’s own moral sense of right or wrong or violation of a prohibition by Allah. However,
contrary to Biblical understanding, sin according to their faith is an evil deed or mistake made
wilfully or out of ignorance but is not a transgression against God himself. Allah forgives the
person when he accepts his mistake. According to them Adam was also forgiven when he asked
after being thrown out of paradise for his disobedience. So there is no inherited sin or sin nature.
Man commits sin because he has his own desires and a free will to act. Moreover he may sin
being influenced by Iblis (devil) who is allowed by Allah to tempt and deceive people. Allah
may overlook many sins committed by common people due to ignorance, but punish smallest
mistake by otherwise pious person according to his sovereign will. On the one hand, Allah
saved his chosen ones from sin through divine interventions. On other hand there is no certainty
of forgiveness or eternal destiny. One must continue doing good deeds recommended in the
religion in hope of finding favour with Allah and entry into paradise. From opinion gathered
from this interview, it appears that Allah of Muslim is not like the God of Bible who is Holy,
Love and Himself is the standard of righteousness and justice.10 He is a controlling god who

9
Ahmed and Mehjabi, "Understanding of Sin According to Muslim Faith," interview by author, January 20,
2019, Kolkata. (Transcript available as Appendix B on page 11)
10
Grudem, Systematic Theology, 197-205

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likes to keep his people guessing and does not seemed to be concerned about their moral
perfection, holiness or salvation.

5. Explaining Sin and Salvation to those of other faiths

To a Hindu sin is a serious matter as he believes that he needs to take several births before the
debt of sin (negative karma) is paid back. Resigning to karma is fatalistic and often frustrating
as one is not sure the number of rebirths one has to take before salvation (moksha) can be
attained. It can be explained to a Hindu that God of the Bible takes sin of mankind much more
seriously and is greatly pained by the human conditions stuck in self effort without help. God
in Jesus fulfilled all requirement of dharma (righteousness) by his perfect living (Matt 3:15,
17-20) and His perfect work on the cross. Christ is treasure of all knowledge and wisdom (Col
2:3) hence the perfect guru who can take sins away and open ways to true devotion (John 4:23-
24). So, now salvation is a free gift that can be obtained in this birth by repentance and faith
in His atoning and substitutory work.

A Muslim believes that man is born sinless and does not have sin nature from which he needs
to be save. His sinless state gets corrupted either by external influence or by mistakes made out
of ignorance or wilful disobedience. However they can be cleaned up by asking for forgiveness
and works and efforts that would please Allah. Hence, there is no need of a saviour. Muslim
believe they can ask for forgiveness from sins, but Allah may or may not forgive them. Hence,
there is no assurance of salvation for a Muslim.

A Muslim believe that one must be sorry for sins and repent, but the idea that payment of sin
is required by a holy God is not a part of Islam. Since, Muslim takes holiness and perfection of
God seriously, one may begin with emphasising the holiness of God from passages in Bible
such as Exodus 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:2; Joshua 24:19; Psalm 93:5 and hatred for sin in
Deuteronomy 25:16; Proverbs 6:16-19. This could be followed by a rhetorical question that
how a holy God who hates sin simply forgive without a penalty. Examples from human justice
system such as “Can a just judge let go a criminal without punishment?” may drive home need
for a Saviour.

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As long as the Muslim believes he can atone for sin himself, the message of the gospel will be
foolishness to him. If he comes to understand that “no one will be declared righteous in his
sight by observing the law” (Romans 3:20), the door is open for the light of the gospel.11

It is important to bear in mind that we can only contextualize and explain by words about sin
and salvation to those of other faiths. It is ultimately the work of Holy Spirit to convict them
of their sins (John 16:8) and open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel.

6. Conclusion

The interviewees chosen for this writing were zealous and knowledgeable about their religion,
so they reflected understanding of sin according to their respective faiths. In reality we come
across people whose worldviews are not only influenced by their religion but also their
environment, secular education, popular culture and personal philosophies. So, each individual
will have his own unique perspective towards sin and salvation. The learning point through this
assignment, therefore is the importance of asking questions and listening to ones belief without
judging them. The objective of listening to a person of other faith should be twofold. First is to
find the commonalities of the person’s beliefs with Biblical understanding that would serve as
the starting point. Second is understanding the areas of frustrating gaps and struggles he faces
in his beliefs and bringing in the truth of the Bible to fill the gap. This is the model Paul used
while preaching in Athens in Acts 17:16-34.

At the same time one must remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit for understanding and guidance.
It is essential to pray that our message of truth and good news do not come with words alone
but in love with the power, with Holy Spirit and deep conviction. (1 Thes 1:5)

7. Bibliography

Anita, Josephine. Theology -I Study Guide. Southern Asia Bible College, Bangalore: Distance Learning
Department, 2009.

Baibhaw, Govind. "Understanding Sin According to Hindu Faith." Telephone interview by author.
January 13, 2019.

"Dharma | Definition of Dharma in English by Oxford Dictionaries." Oxford Dictionaries | English.

Accessed January 27, 2019. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/dharma.

11
GotQuestions.org, "Witnessing to Muslims - What Is the Key?" GotQuestions.org, January 09, 2019, ,
accessed January 27, 2019, https://www.gotquestions.org/witnessing-Muslims.html.

8
Easton, M. G. Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Public Domain, 1897.

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Publishing Group, 1990.

GotQuestions.org. "Witnessing to Muslims - What Is the Key?" GotQuestions.org. January 09, 2019.
Accessed January 27, 2019. https://www.gotquestions.org/witnessing-Muslims.html.

Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology. Hyderabad: OM Books, 2018.

Ahmed, and Mehjabi. "Understanding of Sin According to Muslim Faith." Interview by author. January
20, 2019.

V, Jayaram. "The Concept of Sin in Hinduism." Symbolism of Sagara Manthan or the Churning of the
Ocean. Accessed January 27, 2019. https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_sin.asp.

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Appendix A: Transcript of Interview with A Hindu

Govind is a Master in Hotel Administration and Assistant Professor with a Hotel Management
college in Siliguri. He always had been zealous of his faith. He loves to read Vivekananda, and
books by various Hindu swamis and scholars. The interview was conducted telephonically and
recorded.

Q: What is Sin according to you?

Govind: Sin is anything against the nature of your soul. We know what is right or wrong in
our soul, i.e. conscious. So when we do anything that is wrong we get a call. It is a wrong deed
that accumulates as bad karma.

Q: Who decides which deed is a sin and which is not?

Govind: In the normal world it is the person who himself decide what is sin for him and what
is not. For example, a thief may consider his profession to be pious as it feeds his family. But
the standards are in the scriptures like Veda, Purana and Bhagwad Gita. They tell us what
“dharma” and “adharma” or sin is. I personally compare my deeds with the laws of Sri Krishna
in Bhagwad Gita.

Q: What is the reason behind sinning? Why do we sin?

Govind: We are actually a soul living in a human body. It is the flesh that has desires and the
pressures of the world around us. Soul is pure. But because we think we are this body and we
have attachment to the world we sin. Because we think in our mind that we are this body and
therefore driven by its lust, desires, pressures and attachment we do things that are sinful. For
example, I am professor in private college. I am supposed to teach, but I also have to sell the
courses. For selling the courses I sometime have to lie. I know it is a sin but I still do it as it is
my bread and butter.

Q: When a person is born does he have sin?

Govind: We say that children are pure and like God. But actually children are born with their
accumulated karmas, which are good and bad deeds of their previous births. Moreover, their
consciousness is not developed, so unknowingly they may do deeds that is “adharma” and thus
sin. Fire will burn anyone who comes near it. Sin is like fire and it would burn any one whether
adult of children.

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Q: Is it possible to live a sinless life?
Govind: Yes it is possible. One can renounce the world and do ‘tapah’ (austerities) under an
able guru, who can take away the sins and thus he can move towards divine.

Q: But don’t you think that guru himself must be sinless?

Govind: (Laughs) Yes and that is the difficult part. However, Rituals and sacrifices, vratas,
chanting mantras, bathing in sacred rivers, giving charity etc. also accumulates as good karma.
Moreover, one must endeavour to get jnana (knowledge) as knowledge is a purifier that keeps
you away from sin. We have several examples of mahapurusha (great men) who have through
their devotion lived a sinless life such as Shankracharya, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Ramkrishna
Paramhans, Swami Vivekananda etc. They lived a sinless life right from their childhood. They
were protected from sin because of their good karmas. Viveknanda said about Gautam Buddha
did not sin for hundred birth and that is why in one hundred and first birth he received
enlightenment.

Q: What are the immediate and long term consequences of sin?

Govind: Immediate consequences depends on the type of sin. Some sins have no consequences
at all. Other may bring about ill health, loss of relationships or reputation. In long term sinful
karma will mean inferior birth, downfall into naraka or hell, or birth in demonic womb (pretah
yoni). For example, if one commits suicide he will not get a body but will get into pretah yoni
(demonic womb).

Q: In one line, what is salvation according to you?

Govind: Salvation is when my soul will get out of the cycle of rebirth in ‘samsara’ (material
world) by perfecting my karma and my aatman (soul) will become one with Paramataman
(Supreme Soul/ Brahma)

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Appendix B: Transcript of Interview with Muslim Couple

Ahmed and Mehjabi are a young Muslim Couple. Ahmed is working for a bank and Mehjabi is
a housewife who is done her masters in Urdu. Both have been brought up in a strong Islamic
families and had been taught about their faith since childhood and are devout Muslims. During
the interview Mehjabi was more vocal, but an introvert Ahemd agreed with all what she said,
pitching in only when needed. The interview was in Hindi and is translated in English in this
transcript.

Q: What is Sin according to you?

Ahmed: Sin has nothing to do with religion. There are certain things which are absolutely
wrong such as murdering someone, taking property belonging to someone else, stealing etc.
They are certainly wrong and hence, if someone does them it sin. Religion also prescribe some
deeds and prohibits other. If do not do what is prescribed it is still okay. But if we do what is
prohibited by religion is definitely sin.

Q: Who decides which deed is a sin and which is not?

Mehjabi: Everyone has within him a moral sense of right and wrong. When we do something
that is wrong we get a voice from inside. So it is we ourselves who knows what is sin.

Q: But where did this moral sense of right and wrong comes from?
Mehjabi: (Chuckles) there is surely someone who is up there who made us and put this into
us.

Q: Where do you think sin came from?

Mehjabi: Sin first came from pride. Adam was made from dust and was made the ruler of the
earth. Satan, who was then called Iblis was made with fire, and was asked to bow down to
Adam. He felt that he should have been the ruler as he was made before Adam and was superior
to him. He refused to bow down to Adam and revolted because of his pride. We think that is
where evil started.

Q: Then when did it came in human beings?

Mehjabi: Man had a problem that he always wants to do what he has been asked not to. That
is his tendency. So when Adam and Eve were in paradise, Satan wanted to take revenge for his
exile from paradise. So, he deceived Eve who being woman was weak and made her eat the

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fruit that was forbidden by Allah. She convinced Adam to eat it too. This is where man started
disobeying.

However, there is one good thing in human. If he makes mistakes he accepts it sooner or later,
either out of fear, guilt or shame. When Adam disobeyed he was thrown out of paradise and
separated from Eve. At that time he felt scared and ashamed and asked God for forgiveness,
and Allah forgave him. So whenever man feels sorry for his mistakes and asks for forgiveness
he is forgiven.

Q: Is it possible to live a sinless life?

Mehjabi: No it is very difficult. Almost impossible. Human had been put with his own desires
and his own will. Angels on the contrary do not think but do as God wants them to do. But man
has freedom to think on his own and do his own will.

Q: You mean the free will of man is the reason for sin? Or is there are other things as
well?
Mehjabi: Yes there is. When Iblis or Satan was thrown out of paradise he felt agitated. Since
he has served and worshipped Allah for long he wanted some rewards from him. So, he was
rewarded with life till the Qayamat (doom’s day) and power to deceive human beings. He uses
this power especially with people whose souls are weak and give into temptation.

Q: What about strong people. Can they live a sinless life?

Mehjabi: (Stutters)

Ahmed: For strong people stronger demons come (laughs).

Mehjabi: If you see all the prophets that Allah has sent did not commit sin. Allah protected
them from sin. For example, our prophet when he was a child wanted to see a program the
content of which is forbidden in our religion. So, Allah put him in deep sleep and he continued
sleeping for three days till the program was over. So this how Allah himself protected him from
sinning.

Q: Earlier you said that if anyone asks for forgiveness God would forgive him just like
that? What about the demands of his righteousness?
Ahmed: God sees the heart of the person. He knows that man can make mistake. So if anyone
commits a mistake and then really feel sorry, God will forgive him. He won’t only be forgiven

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but he would be as he was earlier, as if had never sinned. Allah loves those who comes back to
him.

Q: Does sin have any consequences?

Mehjabi: Sometimes we are able to see one being punished for his sins during his life time.
But it is not common. Usually, God is patient and he would give time till end for a person to
repent. There are two kind of people, those who are common and other elite. Common people
are usually ignorant and may make a lot of mistakes. Allah would overlook such mistakes.
Whereas there are some elite who are aware of what is wrong, but still they would do it. Such
people are effected more. Because Allah forgives the ignorant and simple people, but hold wise
more accountable.

Q: Does it mean if I continue sinning and remain ignorant God would overlook my sin?
Mehjabi: All are encouraged to gain knowledge that will take us to realize of our mistakes.
Moreover, even if a person is doing wrong he is also doing a lot of right. Robin Hood for
example was a dacoit. That was wrong, but he did lot of good by helping those in need. God
rewards us for our good works. However, we cannot say who will come under Allah’s wrath
or who will find favour is according to his sovereign will. Allah may forgive the vilest of sinner
and then punish a pious person for smallest of mistake.

Q: So, there is no certainty?

Ahmed: Allah will forgive some disobedience, but is angrier with things that one would do
against poor and down trodden. As we may commit many mistakes unknowingly, Allah has
prescribed some things that will add merit. We must try that the merits are more than our sins.
God does not like proud people. So, even if we make mistakes and do wrong under pressure
we must humble enough ask for forgiveness. We should always have the fear of Allah who can
send us to hell as it acts as deterrent.

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