Topical Encyclopedia Definition and NatureSecret sins refer to transgressions that are hidden from the view of others, often concealed in the heart or committed in private. These sins may not be visible to human eyes, but they are fully known to God. The Bible emphasizes that God is omniscient and nothing is hidden from His sight. Secret sins can include thoughts, desires, or actions that are contrary to God's commandments but are kept hidden due to shame, fear, or pride. Biblical References 1. Psalm 19:12 · "Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults." This verse acknowledges the presence of hidden sins and the need for divine cleansing. It highlights the human inability to fully recognize one's own secret sins without God's revelation. 2. Ecclesiastes 12:14 · "For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil." This passage underscores the certainty of divine judgment on all actions, including those that are hidden from human view. 3. Luke 12:2-3 · "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs." Jesus warns that secret sins will ultimately be exposed, emphasizing the futility of attempting to hide sin from God. 4. Hebrews 4:13 · "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." This verse affirms God's omniscience and the accountability of every individual for their hidden sins. Theological Implications Secret sins are significant because they reveal the true condition of the heart. While outward actions can be controlled or masked, secret sins often reflect the inner spiritual state. The Bible teaches that God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6), and secret sins are a barrier to genuine fellowship with Him. The presence of secret sins can lead to a hardened heart and a seared conscience, making repentance and spiritual growth difficult. They can also hinder prayers and disrupt the believer's relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 66:18: "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." Confession and Repentance The Bible encourages believers to confess their sins, including secret ones, to receive forgiveness and cleansing. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Confession involves acknowledging sin before God and turning away from it, seeking His grace for transformation. Practical Considerations Believers are called to examine their hearts regularly and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden sins. Psalm 139:23-24 is a prayerful request for God’s examination: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Accountability within the Christian community can also be a helpful tool in addressing secret sins. James 5:16 encourages believers to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." This practice fosters transparency and mutual support in the pursuit of holiness. Conclusion While secret sins may be hidden from human eyes, they are fully exposed before God. The Bible calls for vigilance, confession, and repentance to maintain a pure heart and a right relationship with God. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 19:12Who can understand his errors? cleanse you me from secret faults. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 44:21 Psalm 64:2 Psalm 90:8 Ecclesiastes 12:14 Ezekiel 8:12 Ezekiel 11:5 Matthew 10:26 Luke 8:17 Luke 12:2,3 John 3:20 Romans 2:16 Ephesians 5:12 Library Secret Sins Open Sins "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ... Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat Secret Faults Thirdly, for Thy Actions. On the Manner of Making a Good Confession Psalm XIX. By the Sea once More On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My ... Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our 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) |