In Christianity what is the opposite of sin? Is it good works? If so how is it credited?

Question

In esoteric religions to do something good is considered the opposite of sin, but not so in Christianity (or is there?). But that too does not contribute to salvation. So what is the opposite of sin, or is mankind inherently sinful and damned?

Answer 1

Innocence, I suppose.

Look at a newborn baby and you will see no sin there at all.

Answer 2

Humankind is inherently sinful. Christ came to die for our sins and give us a new heart, mind & life. (Through prayer, Bible study & beholding that which is good.)

The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord - it's free. Good works won't get it for you, just accept the gift.

BUT

Once the gift is accepted there will be a change in a persons life. The Bible says you will know them by their fruits (The fruits of thespirit are love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness & temperance.) It also says the just are to live by faith. And that without works faith is dead. So a true Christian will be displaying the above in their life.

The opposite of sin is a holy life. But it's a gift from God. It's not a point system where some have more points than others because works can never save a person; true good works are the out-pouring of God in the life.

Answer 3

I guess the opposite of sin would be not to sin. I don't think there is really an opposite, but rather, degrees of sin. Christians do not (or at least they shouldn't) believe that good works alone will give them salvation. Good works are just a way of honoring God. The belief that Jesus is the Messiah and was sent from God, and that he died for or sins is the only way to get salvation. Also, we are to follow the only commandment that Jesus gave us: love one another as he loves us.

Answer 4

Ever heard the term 'paying for your sins'? Well according to Father Guiddo Sarduci, and who's going to argue with a guy that works for the Pope, it is real. You see at birth you are given an account with a specific amount of money in it. Different sins cost you different amounts. Masturbations is a quarter. But a quarter here and a quarter there it adds up. Murder is the big one, that's a grand right off the top. Any way, when you die you are given an accounting. If you still have money in your account, you go to heaven. If not, you go back to Earth are reborn and have to work to pay for your sins. According to Father G. there are some Mafioso on their third terms as nuns!

Answer 5

The definition of sin I use is that it is anything that doesn't glorify God. Thus, glorifying God, or worship, would be the opposite of sin.

Yes, mankind is inherently sinful. We are born with a sinful nature, which means we WANT to sin. But we are not damned - Christ's sacrifice on the cross covers our sins. He was the atoning sacrifice, taking all sin upon Himself, so that we could be forgiven. If we accept Christ and obey Him, we are not damned, but saved.

Answer 6

Sin, according to the bible, is the default state of mankind since god decided it should be because a couple of people ate an apple. Therefore, the antonym must the the state of being 'saved' - being forgiven by god after his son was tortured to death. But if you read the new testament, the conditions for being forgiven are so many and contradictory that it seems almost arbitrary!

Answer 7

The opposite of sin is righteousness. Sin destroys our relationship with God. Righteousness gives us right standing with God. Just as the opposite of a sinner is a saint. Salvation redeems us from sin and imputs to us the gift of righteousness in Christ.

Answer 8

Mankind is inherently sinful and damned. Romans 3 says "All have sinned and fall short of God's glory."

Fortunately, according to Christian beliefs, God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die in our place so that we may have redemption.

It's the story of the entire human condition. No matter what happens, there is always the possibility of redemption.

Sin condemns us. Jesus saves us. That is the stance of Christianity. Good question. Thanks for asking.

Answer 9

I Yahchanan 3:4—
Whoever commits sin, transgresses also the Law; for sin is the transgression of the Law.

I Yahchanan 3:7-8—
7 Little children, let no man deceive you; he who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
8 He who commits sin is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of Yahweh was manifested; that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Deuteronomy 30:15-16, 19-20—
15 See, I have set before you this day life by righteousness, and death and destruction__
16 In that I command you this day to love Yahweh your Father, by walking in all His ways, by keeping His Laws, His statutes, and His judgments, so that you may live and multiply, and so Yahweh your Father may bless you in the land which you go in to possess.
19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Because you are free agents to make your own choice between righteousness and evil__therefore choose life, so both you and your children may live;

The inspired definition of righteousness is found in:
Deuteronomy 6:25—
And it will be our righteousness, if we observe to do all of this Law before Yahweh our Father, as He has commanded us.

Answer 10

The opposite of sin is overcoming temptation and making the right choice. It is often harder, but will be more rewarding. God knows that we are not perfect, and that we will sin. But He sees our hearts and our intentions. He rejoices when we repent and knows when we are truly sorry for our sin. He knows whether or not we mean to continue in that sin or if we truly mean to stop.

Answer 11

The opposite of sin is Love. If you Love, you will want to do good works.