Understanding the biblical definition of sin, its nature, and consequences according to Scripture.
Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard or goes against His will. It includes both things we do wrong (commission) and good things we fail to do (omission). Sin is ultimately about our relationship with God - it's rebellion against His authority and a rejection of His righteous ways.
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."
— 1 John 1:8
The most common Greek word for sin in the New Testament is 'hamartia,' which means to miss the mark or fall short of a target. Sin is falling short of God's perfect standard of righteousness. Even our best efforts cannot reach God's holy standard.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
— Romans 3:23
Sin is rebellion against God's commands and His righteous law. It's choosing our way over God's way, placing our will above His will. Sin began in the Garden when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God's clear instruction.
"Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness."
— 1 John 3:4
Sin creates a barrier between us and God. God is holy and cannot tolerate sin in His presence. Sin breaks our relationship with God and leads to spiritual death - separation from the source of all life and goodness.
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
— Isaiah 59:2
Sin is not just external actions but a condition of the heart. Jesus taught that sin comes from within - from evil thoughts, pride, selfishness, and corruption of the heart. We are sinners by nature, not just by choice.
"For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly."
— Mark 7:21-22
While the reality of sin is sobering, God has provided a perfect solution through Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a sinless life and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Through faith in Him, we can be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God.
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
— 2 Corinthians 5:21
Discover God's forgiveness and the power to overcome sin through Jesus Christ.