The Dutch theologian G. C. Berkouwer writes, In all the multiformity of sin there is always a common trait: sin is always against God. Never can we get at the essence of sin as long as we ignore this relation of sin and God and regard our sin as a mere “phenomenon” in human living. This fact is apparent when sin is described as enmity and rebellion, disobedience and alienation from God. That kind of terminology is a far cry from the common view which leaves no room for the relational character of sin and implies that sin is a bothersome “deficiency.”
