Two Types of Sin; Two Works of Grace

(During 2022, these bi-monthly articles are exploring various facets of the beautiful diamond that is our holiness doctrine and heritage.)

Two Types of Sin

There are two types of sin – the first is sin as an act; the second is sin as a condition. A person steals something. That act is sin. But the behavior does not originate in itself; it arises from a heart turned to its own desire. That condition is sin.

This first “type” of sin is an act of willful disobedience and rebellion against God. In Wesley’s words, “a voluntary transgression against the known law of God.” Sin is a transgression of God’s law – doing that which is forbidden or neglecting to do that which is required.

In theological terms, we call this Personal Sin or Actual Sin.

The second “type” of sin is sin as a condition. Adam and Eve’s personal sin – their sinful behavior – led to a sinful condition that has been passed along to each of us. We inherited the depravity that resulted from the first sin, and it has corrupted our nature and caused us to lean toward sin more than we do toward righteousness. Sinfulness has become our default setting.

In theological terms, we call this Original Sin. There are also other various terms for this “condition” – Adamic depravity, indwelling sin, original sin, and sinful nature.

Two Works of Grace

There are two types of sin, but thanks be to God, there are also two works of grace.

I am not implying in any way that there are only two works of grace. In our grace-filled heritage, we speak of prevenient grace, saving grace, growth in grace, sanctifying grace, and keeping grace. Grace is rich and multi-faceted, and when I say two works of grace, I’m not limiting in any way the expression or means of God’s grace. I’m simply affirming that there is grace for both types of sin.

The acts of sin need to be forgiven – there is grace for that! The sin condition needs to be cleansed – there is also grace for that!

The first work of grace addresses personal sin. Jesus’s death and resurrection accomplishes our salvation.  Our acts of sin are forgiven. When we confess our sins and place our faith in Christ, God’s grace provides forgiveness for our acts of sin, and pardon from the moral and spiritual penalty of those sins.

The second work of grace addresses our sinful condition and results in our entire sanctification. While the acts of disobedience (for which we are personally responsible) need to be forgiven, the inclination toward sin (Adamic sin, which we have inherited) needs to be cleansed. This work of grace is also made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection, and by the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. When believers surrender themselves fully to God, they are filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to live lives pleasing to God.

The first work of grace accomplishes our justification, regeneration, and initial sanctification; the second work of grace accomplishes our heart cleansing, Spirit-filling, and entire sanctification. 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son, cleanses us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7