Who is ultimately responsible for sin, according to Christian teaching?

In Christian teaching, the responsibility for sin lies ultimately with human beings, primarily due to their gift of free will. Free will allows individuals to make choices, including the choice to disobey God's commands. This means that when humans choose to sin, they are accountable for their actions. The doctrine emphasizes that God has granted humanity the freedom to choose righteousness or sin, and with that freedom comes the corresponding responsibility for the decisions made.

This view highlights the belief that while God created the world and the moral law within it, He does not force individuals to follow Him; rather, He allows for personal choice. Thus, the capacity to rebel against God and commit sin is seen as a direct result of human agency.

In this context, while Satan is often depicted as a tempter who leads humans toward sin, the ultimate responsibility still rests on the individual who chooses to follow that temptation. God, as creator, remains sovereign but is not blamed for human disobedience, as free will is central to the relational aspect of faith in Christianity.