Buddhists call it suffering. Philosophers call it “the human condition.” Psychologists call it the “shadow self.” Every culture recognizes that something is deeply wrong with us and with the world. The Bible uses a much simpler word for it: sin.

In this episode of Word for Word, Austin W. Duncan unpacks what the Bible actually means by sin—and why understanding it is essential if we want to make sense of ourselves, our relationships, and our need for salvation. Sin isn’t just “breaking rules” or “feeling guilty”; it’s a deep rupture in the three core relationships we were created for: with God, with others, and with creation itself.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• The aspects of sin: transgression, rebellion, inherited/original sin, imputed guilt, and our daily personal sins

• How sin fractures our relationship with God (vertical), with each other (horizontal), and with creation (outward)

• Why even “small” sins matter, and why good deeds can’t simply “balance out” our bad ones

• Common misconceptions about sin that keep us stuck in shame, self-righteousness, or denial

• God’s holy and loving response to sin in the cross of Christ—where our guilt is taken and His righteousness is given

• Practical ways to recognize sin, confess it, repent, pursue restoration, and live as beloved children of God

If you’ve ever wondered why the world feels so broken—or why you feel so conflicted inside—this episode is meant to help you see sin clearly, not to crush you, but to magnify the good news of what God has done in Christ.

Chapters:

0:00:00-0:00:56 - Introduction0:00:56-0:01:53 - The Aspects of Sin0:01:53-0:05:55 - Sin as Transgression0:05:55-0:09:59 - Sin as Rebellion0:09:59-0:14:41 - Original Sin0:14:41-0:20:09 - Imputed Sin0:20:09-0:25:46 - Personal Sin0:25:46-0:33:17 - The Effects of Sin on Original Design0:33:17-0:34:52 - The Consequences of Sin0:34:52-0:38:53 - Consequence 1: The Vertical Fracture0:38:53-0:48:15 - Consequence 2: The Horizontal Fracture0:48:15-0:56:54 - Consequence 3: The Outward Fracture0:56:54-0:57:45 - Common Misconceptions About Sin0:57:45-1:00:55 - "Some Sins Aren't Really That Bad"1:00:55-1:04:17 - "Good Deeds Can Offset Sin"1:04:17-1:08:14 - "Sin is Just About Breaking Rules"1:08:14-1:12:58 - God's Response to Sin1:12:58-1:13:31 - How Do We Live This Out?1:13:31-1:15:06 - How To Recognize Sin In Our Lives1:15:06-1:19:56 - What To Do When We Spot Sin1:19:56-1:23:32 - Wrapping Up