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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Sin is described in the Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). Sin had its beginning with Lucifer, probably the most beautif...
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andrew kameya
Supporter
The existing answers are good, but do not help on a moment by moment daily living. I struggled with the following: Missing the Mark The most common explanation for the concept of sin comes from the Greek word hamartia. Homer and other classical authors used hamartia and related words to describe “missing the mark” or “failure to reach a goal.” If I am missing the mark, in what direction do I turn to get closer to the mark? Also how far off the mark am I? Do not want to over correct. Knowing that you are missing the mark on a moment by moment basis is not helpful unless you know how to correct it. I would like to suggest making the mark the Trinity, God the father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We must abide in Him constantly (not easy). Practice what Brother Lawrence did. Talk to Him constantly. So instead of seeing at things negatively, "Missing the Mark", you can see things positively, Focusing on the Mark. I would also like to suggest humbling yourself a minimum of 3 times a day by kneeing in a short prayer. Humility is key to abiding in Him. God be with you, brothers and sisters of the Way - on your journey of life. Andy
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
"Sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4) Sin is unrighteousness (“All unrighteousness is sin” – 1 John 5:17) This is a blanket mortgage covering every kind of sin. Sin is doubt (Romans 14:23) especially Romans 14:23b--, i.e. to do anything we doubt the rightness of is sin. Sin is unbelief (John 16:8-9) Sin is neglect (James 4:17) Some say that since sin is something everyone is doing, it can’t be so bad. And they think “While I’m a sinner, I’m not so bad a sinner that I can’t get to Heaven by being reasonably good.” Another way they may put it is that “their good outweighs their bad.” When you share your faith with someone, it’s important for them to understand that God’s standard is perfection and that ANY sin, even as small as a bad thought, disqualifies them from Heaven. The foundation of people saving themselves by some inherent goodness has to be torn down. We are saved by faith alone in Christ ALONE. EE
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What is the definition of Sin? Sin in the Bible is fundamentally defined as breaking God's law and rebelling against His will. Scripture describes Sin as both an action and a condition of the human heart, involving doing what is wrong, failing to do what is right, Biblical Definitions of Sin Transgression of God's law — The Bible explicitly states: "Sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). This means violating God's commands. Rebellion against God — Sin is not just rule-breaking; it is personal rebellion against the Creator (Deuteronomy 9:7). Missing the mark — The Hebrew word khata means "to miss the mark," failing to meet God's moral standard. Wrong actions, thoughts, or attitudes — Sin includes outward behaviour and inward motives such as pride or selfishness. Failure to do what is right — Sin is also omission: "Anyone who knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it sins" (James 4:17). Where Sin Comes From in the Bible Origin in humanity: Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve's disobedience in Genesis 3. Universal condition: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Consequences of Sin Separation from God: Sin creates a barrier between humans and God (Isaiah 59:2). Spiritual death: "The wages of sin are death” (Romans 6:23). Bible's Solution to Sin Forgiveness through Jesus Christ: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…" (1 John 1:9). Jesus' death and resurrection provide cleansing and reconciliation with God. Summary Original Sin is the condition we inherit. Actual Sin is the Sin we personally commit. What it means • It is not an action you commit. • It is a state or condition of separation from God. • It affects every human being from birth. • It inclines us toward Sin (a "bent" toward selfishness). What Jesus does: He becomes the new Adam - Paul says Jesus is the "last Adam" who reverses the damage of the first (1 Corinthians 15:45). He restores human nature - Through His obedience, He repairs what Adam's disobedience broke (Romans 5:19). He opens the way back to life with God. Original Sin brought spiritual death; Jesus brings spiritual life. How Jesus' death addresses actual Sin What Jesus does: He takes the penalty for our sins, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24). He offers forgiveness through His sacrifice: "The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). He satisfies divine justice - Sin demands justice; Jesus absorbs that justice on our behalf. He breaks Sin's power over us. We are no longer slaves to sinful habits or patterns. This is why Christians say Jesus saves us completely—not just from what we've done, but from what we are without Him.
Daniel Veler
Supporter
Your question: What is the definition of sin? The Israelites believed that adhering to the Law of Moses was their path to righteousness. This was the definition of sin they used to employ. However, they overlooked the fact that the law carried a curse. This curse was that if you violated even the smallest of its commandments, you were deemed guilty of all of them. But we see Christ nailed the curse to the cross. Galatians 3:13: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. The Priests and Pharisees would judge people based on the Law, condemning those who violated it. Since no one was guiltless under the Law, and no one could keep it without violating at least one of its commandments, everyone has violated the Law. Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit came, He would teach us the sin that condemns all men. He would give us the understanding not to judge our lives based on the law, but on Christ. The following is written: John 16:8: And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin. John 16:9: Of sin, because they believe not on me. This is the sin that prevents you from attaining the righteousness of God. Regarding the sins that arise from the flesh through the heart of a man, are these: Proverbs 6:17: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Seek forgiveness for your unbelief, which can only be obtained by believing in Christ.
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