Definition of Sin
According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary, the definition of sin is:
Transgression, evil, a violation of an accepted moral, religious or social code
According to the Bible:
a. Sin is an act – the breaking of the law or commandment is sin (1 John 3:4).
b. Sin is a state – the fallen state of men without righteousness (Romans 5:12).
c. Sin is our nature – the nature of man at enmity with God (Romans 7:18).
The origin of sin
1. Sin originated from Satan. Isaiah 12:12-14 talks of Lucifer’s problem with pride (the original sin). Sin exists once someone lusts for something that one shouldn’t (James 1:14-15).
2. Sin entered the world through Adam (Romans 5:12).
3. According to Genesis 3:1-6, the fall of man began with temptation. Satan tempted Eve by questioning God’s standard. In her response to Satan in verses 2 and 3, Eve slightly reworded God’s command. Thus, sin began to grow. In verse 4, Satan implied that God is a liar, and in the following verse, Satan tried to stir up Eve’s pride. Finally, in verse 6, Eve began to lust for something she was commanded against and acted on the temptation.
Manifestation of sin
1. Transgression: overstepping the law (Psalm 51:1).
2. Iniquity: an inherently (inwardly) wrong or forbidden act, such as breaking a commandment (Psalm 51:9).
3. Error: the departure from doing right – whether intentional or unintentional (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
4. Missing the mark: failure to meet the divine standard (Romans 3:23).
5. Trespass: the intrusion of self-will against God’s authority (1 Chronicles 21:1-3) – doing what one wants to do instead of what God wants them to do.
6. Lawlessness: spiritual anarchy (1 Timothy 1:9).
7. Debt: failing to fulfill one’s duty, leaving things undone (Matthew 18:27).
8. Unbelief: an insult to the divine veracity of God (Hebrews 3:12) – rejecting Jesus Christ as savior.
List of sins
1. The sins listed in Exodus 20:3-17 include: idolatry, cursing, disobedience to parents, murder, adultery, stealing, lying, covetousness.
2. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 references effeminate men (males who act like females), behavior which abuses the sinner’s own body (such as masturbation, drunkenness), reviling (abusive language towards other people), extortion (cheating other people of their money).
3. Romans 1:29-31 lists unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, maliciousness, envy, debate, deceit, malignity, whispering, backbiting, hatred of God, spite, pride, boasting (i.e. bragging about oneself), evil inventions (i.e. cigarettes, alcohol), covenant-breakers (i.e. making promises that one can’t or won’t keep), going against natural affection (i.e. homosexuality, bestiality), restlessness, unmercifulness.
4. 1 Timothy 1:9-11 cites lawlessness, disobedience, unholiness, profanity, whoremongering, kidnapping, and false doctrines.
5. Colossians 3:5-8 includes inordinate affection, evil concupiscence (strong sexual lust), anger, wrath, blasphemy, filthy communication (i.e. dirty jokes).
6. Galatians 5:19-21: Lasciviousness (lustfulness), witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, strife, seditions, heresies, revelings.
7. Mark 7:20-23 lists evil thoughts, evil eye (i.e. looking at pornography/something shouldn’t look at), and foolishness.
Sin cannot be hidden
1. One’s sin will certainly be revealed – Numbers 32:23.
2. The sinner will certainly be revealed – Proverbs 28:13.
Death from sin
1. Physical death – Genesis 3:17,19 Psalm 104:29.
2. Spiritual death – Ephesians 2:5, 1 Peter 3:18
3. Eternal death/ Second death (soul) – Revelation 21:8.
Remedy for sin
Ephesians 1:7: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;“
1 John 1:7,9: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.“
Proverbs 28:13: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.“