We have often trivialized sin by understanding it merely as that which is evil rather than as disobeying God by trying to get life from knowing good and evil. Consequently, the church has, to a large extent, continued to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil without realizing it. We have too often defined ourselves as the practitioners and defenders of the good, the judges and conquerors of evil, and the saviors of people and...

We have neglected the biblical teaching that the origin and essence of sin is rooted in the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:1-5). Consequently, we have tended to define sin as that which is evil, over against that which is good, rather than defining it more profoundly as that which is not in union with Christ, whether “good” or “evil.” Consequently, the church has tended to focus on symptoms rather than on the source of the disease. We...

Scripture repeatedly and emphatically commands us to live in love and to put love above and before all things. “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2, ESV “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14, ESV It tells us that if we love, we will fulfill everything else the Lord requires of us, but if we don’t...