What is Sin?
In our last study, The Sin Problem, we found sin to be the greatest problem in our world today because it comes with the greatest consequences in this life and beyond it.
In this study we are continuing our look at this thing called sin, and will be allowing the Bible to tell us what sin actually is.
Let’s begin with 1st John 3:4:
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
This verse plainly gives us the biblical definition of sin: it is the transgression, or breaking of the law.
But what law has been transgressed or broken when we sin?
Exodus 24:12
12 And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
God let Moses know that He will be giving him something He had written Himself, which is very important. It will be tables of stone, a law, and commandments.
Let’s look at another verse which will give us more understanding:
Deuteronomy 4:13
13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.
What was written by God on two tables of stone?
The Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-22)
God’s law is the commandments. So, the Bible classifies sin as breaking the Ten Commandments, which are His revealed will for our lives.
Every kingdom or government has a law which it is based upon. The law is a representation of the beliefs and principles of that nation; it is there to keep order and to make the citizens of that kingdom or government aware of their duties, which is designed to be for their own good. The 10 Commandments are God’s Law for His kingdom.
What is the main principle of God’s law?
Romans 13:8, 10
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
God’s law is based on love! The Ten Commandments are commandments of love. Love for God and love for other people is the duty of every person; sin is the breaking of God’s law of love.
Let’s summarise the three main points we have covered so far:
1. Sin is the transgression or breaking of the law.
2. God’s law is the Ten Commandments.
3. God’s Ten Commandments are a law of love.
What is the PROBLEM we find here?
Well, the sad fact is, we have all sinned:
Romans 3:23
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
All of us have personally broken this law of love at some point in our lives, and have fallen short of the standard God has designed for us to live; falling short of His glory.
In fact, without God’s help, we cannot even keep His law:
John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
A correct diagnosis leads to a correct remedy, or solution
But as we saw from the analogy at the end of the last study, The Sin Problem, a correct diagnosis of a problem will tell us what the correct solution would be.
In light of this, what SOLUTION to this problem would the true biblical gospel message present to us? Let’s see:
Colossians 1:27, 28
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
1st Peter 2:21, 22
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1st Peter 4:1, 2
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
Titus 2:11, 12
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Jesus Christ came to this world to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21). The above verses explain and inform us of this. The gospel of the Bible presents to us a Saviour who died in our place, and who currently lives, giving us the strength to live the life He requires of us. God can and will give us the power to keep His law – the Ten Commandments - if we come to Him; when Christ abides within us, all things are possible, including victory over sin.
We hope you have gained something from this study. Let’s make the time to read and study the Bible while we have the privilege and luxury to do so.
Please look out for our next study on Sin: At What Point Did We Become Sinners?
by LetterBox Bible