Sin and Penalty
1 John 3:4-5
Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.…


Infraction of law must be followed by infliction of penalty. This is a principle to which common sense subscribes. It is older than historical Christianity. Before we open the Bible, we learn it from the grand and tranquil regularities of nature. There is a law in the fire; break it, and you will be burned. There is a law in the water; break it, and you will be drowned. There is a law in mechanical force; break it, and you will be crushed. There are laws for souls as well as for bodies; these laws are all wrapped up in one: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God," etc. Let the soul break it, and the soul will die. The full penalty does not follow close upon the transgression, but it is inevitable.

(C. Stanford, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

WEB: Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.




Sin and its Removal
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