Augustine, in The City of God, reminds us that sin is the genuine evil.
Thus the good and true Mediator showed that it is sin which is evil, and not the substance or nature of flesh; for this, together with the human soul, could without sin be both assumed and retained, and laid down in death, and changed to something better by resurrection. He showed also that death itself, although the punishment of sin, was submitted to by Him for our sakes without sin, and must not be evaded by sin on our part, but rather, if opportunity serves, be born for righteousness’ sake. For he was able to expiate sins by dying, because He both died, and not for sin of His own.
