In this deep sermon, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the true meaning of sin. Sin is not a mere mistake or word; it is a serious spiritual state of rebellion against God, breaking His commandments, and separating oneself from His presence. Sin deprives man of the divine image, the sonship to God, and grieves the Holy Spirit. It is not only an act but an inner attitude of disobedience and lack of divine love.

1. Sin in Relation to God

• Sin as Transgression and Rebellion: Breaking God’s commandment is rebellion against the Creator.

• Sin as Pride: Pride is the root of every fall; before breaking the law, pride enters the heart.

• Sin as Lack of Love for God: Whoever loves the world has no love for the Father.

• Sin as Enmity with God: It makes man God’s enemy, in need of reconciliation through Christ.

• Sin as Separation from God: There is no fellowship between light and darkness; sin severs that connection.

• Sin Grieves the Holy Spirit: It resists and saddens the Spirit who dwells within us.

• Sin as Betrayal of Sonship: “Whoever is born of God does not sin.” Thus, sin denies our sonship.

• Sin as Betrayal of Christ: Every sinner betrays Christ anew, trampling on His covenant.

2. Sin in Relation to Oneself

• Corruption of Human Nature: Sin corrupts the purity and simplicity of man’s original nature.

• Loss of the Divine Image: In sin, man loses the likeness of God, who is holy.

• Loss of Fellowship and Life: Like a branch cut from the vine, man dries up and dies spiritually.

• Sin as Spiritual Death: “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

• Sin Brings Fear and Anxiety: It destroys inner peace and creates guilt.

• Loss of Dignity and Purity: Sin humiliates man under Satan’s power and robs him of holiness.

3. Sin in Relation to Others

• Sin as Lack of Love: It breaks the commandment to love God and neighbor.

• Sin as Eternal Destruction: It separates man from the Kingdom of Light and casts him into darkness.

Spiritual Conclusion:
Sin is rebellion, lovelessness, and separation from divine life. The sinner loses communion with God and the image of holiness. Repentance, therefore, is not merely admitting a mistake—it is returning to divine fellowship and regaining the lost sonship.

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