What is Sin?

Sin: What is it?

Segment One, Part One

Merriam Webster’s definition of sin is basically two-fold: an offense against religious or moral law or a transgression of the law of God. This last definition is the one with which we are most concerned: transgression of the law of God. There are two thoughts about this definition that we must cover. First, every human being has transgressed the law of God. Only one human being was perfect and did not transgress the law of God: Jesus. Second, even the most devout of believers has (either before or after being saved) committed offenses against the law of God. This said, everyone must know what it means to transgress the law of God. We are all guilty. Thus the most appropriate way to define sin is an intentional or unintentional disobedience to the words and wisdom of a holy, loving God. How then do we not transgress the law of God? We can’t and that is why it is important to know what God’s solution for sin is!

Many theologians have written books about this subject and covered it in depth. For our purposes, we do not have the time or the space to attempt such, so we will cover the important points the best we can. Keep in mind that much of the focus of God’s Word is what is sin against God and how is that sin problem overcome.

As we progress, we will cover what might be called the “six ‘S’ points” of scripture. These are: sin, signs, source, Satan, standard, and solution. Each of these subjects will be covered to some degree with relevant input and how God views each subject. Put on your thinking caps and hear what scripture says as we progress.

Sin: What is it?

Segment One, Part Two

We have seen a definition of “sin” and we have 6 areas about sin that we will cover. As we start, we need to see how God’s Word views “sin.” The apostle John says “whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4) The apostle James also has this word about “sin”: “for whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10) James is saying that you can keep the whole law and make one wrong decision, and you are guilty of violating all of the law. One bad choice violates all the law.

Keeping God’s Law does not allow for making any mistakes. This is why we as imperfect beings cannot say that we are without sin. It is impossible for man to do. This is why we all must know what sin is and how God has provided a solution for this impossible position that we as mankind have been put into. This “solution” is the last “S” we will cover and how we can know what the solution is.

There is a saying: “knowledge is power.” We need to progress on through each subject and know why it is in the category of “sin.” It is that knowledge that will help us overcome the sin problem. Our next post will cover some signs that will help us know what is sin.

Sin