A.W. Tozer emphasizes that sin is fundamentally an act of rebellion against God's authority, rather than merely a psychological condition of the lost sinner. He argues that focusing too much on the sinner's burdens can distract from the reality that sin is a violation of divine law, making us fugitives from God's justice. However, through repentance and the plan of salvation, sinners can restore their relationship with God by confessing their sins and submitting to His will. This act of returning to God transforms us from rebels into obedient children. Tozer calls for a recognition of our true state and the necessity of repentance to align ourselves with God's authority.

Some of you will object to my saying this, but it is my opinion that in Christianity we have over-emphasized the psychology of the lost sinner's condition. We spend time describing the sinner's woes and the great burden he carries until we almost forget the principal fact that the sinner is actually a rebel against properly constituted authority! That is what makes sin SIN! We are rebels, we are sons of disobedience. Sin is the breaking of the Law and we are fugitives from the just laws of God while we are sinners. We are fugitives from divine judgment. But thankfully, the plan of salvation reverses that, and restores the original relationship, so that the first thing the returning sinner does is confess: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in Thy sight and I am no more worthy to be called Thy son. Make me as one of Thy hired servants!" Thus, in repentance, we reverse that relationship and we fully submit to the Word of God and the will of God, as obedient children!