Historical and Theological Context
From the early centuries of the Church, thinkers such as Augustine and Pelagius debated the nature of sin and human will. Augustine emphasized humanity’s inherited corruption, while Pelagius argued that each person is born innocent and chooses sin freely. Cottrell’s view falls closer to the latter, affirming that while Adam’s sin introduced the possibility of moral failure, guilt attaches only when a person knowingly breaks God’s law. This awareness—the Age of Accountability—marks the point when one becomes morally answerable before God (Romans 7:9).
📘 WORD BOX: PARABASIS (παράβασις)
Meaning: “Stepping over a boundary” or “deviation from the prescribed path.”
Use: Describes deliberate disobedience, the essence of personal sin (1 John 3:4).
Cultural Reflection: A World Without Guilt
Modern culture often rejects the concept of sin altogether. Social conditioning, psychological theories, or biological explanations are used to excuse moral failure. ‘People aren’t sinners,’ some argue, ‘they’re victims.’ Yet Scripture insists that each human being possesses the freedom and accountability to choose right or wrong (Genesis 3:13; Ezekiel 18:20). When guilt is denied, grace loses its meaning. If sin is merely a mistake or a social label, then salvation becomes unnecessary. Personal sin confronts us with the uncomfortable reality that we are not only broken but responsible—and that divine forgiveness is our only hope.
📘 WORD BOX: HAMARTIA (ἁμαρτία)
Meaning: “Missing the mark.”
Use: The most common New Testament term for sin, implying failure to meet God’s moral standard.
