What Is Sin?

This week we will begin a three part discussion on the subject of sin.  The topic of sin is not a popular one today.  Many view the concept of sin as outdated and demeaning; something that needs to be cast aside in light of current modern thought.  Christians, however, know that there are some things taught in God's Word which will never become outdated.  Sin is one of those topics, and is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.

For such a small word, a lot is packed into the meaning of sin.  The Bible defines sin as in defiance, or breaking, of God's law. (1 John 3:4)  It is also described as disobedience or rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7), as well as independence from God.  The original translation means "to miss the mark" of God's holy standard of righteousness.  The mark, in this case, is the standard of perfection established by God and evidenced by Jesus.  Viewed in that light, it is clear that we are all sinners.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 3:23, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Since all sin is the rejection of God and His authority, sin automatically excludes us from His presence. But forgiveness of sin, as well as grace, peace, and an eternity with God will only be found through faith in Christ.

Now, sin is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible, starting with the original sin when Adam and Eve ate the fruit from “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”  Satan tempted them and they disobeyed God. (Genesis 3)  The heart of the problem began from the human desire to be like God.  Therefore, all sin has its roots in idolatry, which is the attempt to put something or someone in the place of the Creator.  Most often, that someone is one's own self.

Often it seems as if sin is simply the violation of any of God's laws, including the Ten Commandments.  Paul, however, puts this in perspective in Romans 3:20 when he says, "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."

God wanted us to be aware of our sin.  Even those who have not murdered or committed adultery will find themselves convicted of lying, or of worshiping false idols, like wealth or power, ahead of God. Tragically, most people seem not to understand that any sin, in any amount, will separate us from God.

In Isaiah 59:1-2 we are reminded that, "...the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."

We must resist the temptation to act as if we are righteous, especially by trusting in our own good works.

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." (1 John 1:8-10)

The good news is that Jesus came to take our place and die for our sins. (1 Peter 2:24)  This means that Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross and paid for them.  He took the judgment upon Himself.  This further means that anyone who trusts in what Jesus did on the cross will have his sins removed; he will be saved from God's future judgment.

So, replying to the question "What is sin?" is best answered by saying that it is breaking God's law.  All people have sinned.  Therefore, all people are under God's judgment, except for those who have trusted in God's provision to escape that judgment.

Where are you?  Are you in the place of God's judgment or of salvation in Christ?

Please feel free to comment or ask questions about any of these posts. God bless!  

 Be sure to read the complete series:
Are Some Sins More Sinful: Part-2
Conviction of Sin: Part 3

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