What is sin?

If you ask 10 different people this question, you would likely get 10 different answers. People’s definition of what sin is, varies greatly. Some people say that sin is wasting food, not going to church on Sundays or that it’s simply unbelief. None of these definitions are biblically based.

The bible defines sin as follows,

1 John 3:4  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

To transgress, means to go against. So when we don’t follow the laws of the Bible through the teaching of Jesus Christ, we become sinners. Some common examples are, the act of homosexuality, adultery, having an abortion, murder, celebrating pagan holidays like Christmas or Easter, eating unclean foods such as pork, catfish, shrimp, shopping on Saturdays (the Sabbath day). These acts would all be considered sin as they all defy laws written in the Bible.

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus Christ did not come and do away with the laws of God.

Matthew 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (19) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

Some people will say that because they haven’t killed anyone or done anything similarly evil, they are not a bad person or a sinner. However, the bible says,

1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not  in us.

Given that we are all sinners and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), what should we do to live a righteous life in the eyes of God and avoid the wages of sin?

Acts 3:19  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

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