Topical Encyclopedia Sin, in the biblical context, refers to any action, thought, or attitude that transgresses the divine law and moral standards set by God. The concept of sin is central to the Christian faith, as it underscores the need for redemption and the role of Jesus Christ as Savior. From a theological perspective, sin is not only a human failing but also a condition that is fully known to God.God's Omniscience and Sin The Bible affirms that God is omniscient, meaning He possesses complete and infinite knowledge. This includes an intimate awareness of human sin. In Psalm 139:1-4 , David acknowledges God's comprehensive knowledge: "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD." This passage highlights that God is not only aware of our actions but also our thoughts and intentions. His knowledge of sin is not limited to external behaviors but extends to the innermost parts of the human heart. Sin in the Heart The Bible teaches that sin originates in the heart. In Jeremiah 17:9-10 , it is written, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve." This passage underscores God's ability to discern the true nature of the human heart, which is often hidden from others. God's Awareness of Collective Sin God's knowledge of sin is not limited to individuals but extends to nations and communities. In Genesis 18:20-21 , God speaks of the collective sin of Sodom and Gomorrah: "Then the LORD said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous, I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.'" This demonstrates that God is attentive to the moral state of societies and acts in response to their sinfulness. Divine Response to Sin God's knowledge of sin is not passive; it prompts a divine response. In Romans 6:23 , Paul writes, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse encapsulates the biblical teaching that sin leads to spiritual death, but God, in His mercy, offers redemption through Jesus Christ. The Role of Jesus Christ The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is central to God's plan for addressing human sin. In 1 John 1:9 , it is stated, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Through confession and faith in Christ, believers receive forgiveness and are restored to a right relationship with God. God's Desire for Repentance Despite His knowledge of sin, God's desire is for repentance and reconciliation. In 2 Peter 3:9 , it is written, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This reflects God's compassionate nature and His longing for humanity to turn away from sin and toward Him. In summary, the Bible presents a comprehensive view of sin as fully known to God. His omniscience encompasses every aspect of human sinfulness, yet His response is characterized by justice, mercy, and a desire for redemption through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 3:11And he said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded you that you should not eat? Nave's Topical Index Genesis 4:10 Genesis 18:13 Exodus 16:8,9,12 Numbers 12:2 Numbers 14:26,27 Deuteronomy 1:34 Deuteronomy 31:21 Deuteronomy 32:34 Joshua 7:10-15 Job 10:14 Job 11:11 Job 13:27 Job 14:16,17 Job 20:27 Job 34:21,22,25 Job 24:23 Psalm 44:20,21 Psalm 69:5 Psalm 90:8 Psalm 94:11 Ecclesiastes 5:8 Isaiah 29:15 Jeremiah 2:22 Jeremiah 16:17 Jeremiah 29:23 Ezekiel 21:24 Hosea 5:3 Hosea 7:2 Amos 5:12 Amos 9:1-4,8 Habakkuk 2:11 Malachi 2:14 Matthew 10:26 Matthew 22:18 Matthew 26:46 Luke 6:8 John 4:17-19 John 5:42 John 6:64 John 13:11 Revelation 2:23 Library The Sad Case of a Relapse into Known and Deliberate Sin, after ... God's Peace Obtained in Answer to Prayer "That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ... Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man Sin Never to be Returned to after Repentance. Death to Sin is the Way Out into a Life of Holiness. Death to Sin's Penalty is the Way Out into a Life of Justification ... Repentance Applicable to all the Kinds of Sin to be Practised not ... The Privilege of Prayer Letter xvi. --Hatred of Sin. Resources What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.org What is the worst sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |