Pride — The ‘Original Sin’?
by Douglas Hoff
Proverbs
The expression “original sin” is
usually associated with the Calvinistic doctrine of inherited sin. Mankind does not inherit sin, even Adam’s,
because sin is the transgression of God’s law. Sin is something one commits (John
This leaves the question of what the first sin was. It appears he was guilty of pride. This is implied in 1 Timothy 3:6 which says an elder must not be “…a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.”
What is pride? There are only three verses in the New
Testament that use it. Each verse uses a
different Greek word. The
one in Mark
Men and angels are subject to this
temptation. Romans 12:3 (NKJV) says, “For
I say…to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than
he ought to think.” Man showed
this vice when tempted in the Garden of Eden. Satan cunningly used the lust of the flesh, the
lust of the eyes and the pride of life to entice them to sin (Genesis 3:1-6; cf. 1 John
Jesus’ attitude is the polar opposite of pride – humility (Philippians 2:5-8). His is the perfect example for mankind to imitate even though ours will always fall short of the divine ideal. 1 John 2:6 reminds us that “he who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”
Failing to conquer
pride leads to terrible consequences. The book of Proverbs has much to say about
this sin. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes shame…” Proverbs
One guilty of pride can be forgiven. It takes repentance and a desire for the reformation of one’s life. It can and must be done if one wishes to enter heaven one day.
The way to overcome pride is found (at least in part) in James 4:6-8. This passage informs man that “God resists the proud ... Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
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