Definition and Distinction:

In Christian theology, sins are often categorized into two primary types: sins of omission and sins of commission. This classification helps believers understand the breadth of sin and the importance of both action and inaction in the moral and spiritual life.

Sins of Commission:

Sins of commission are wrongful acts that a person actively commits. These are deliberate actions that transgress God's commandments and moral law. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings regarding sins of commission. For instance, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) outline specific prohibitions against actions such as murder, theft, and adultery. In the New Testament, Jesus expands on these commandments, emphasizing the heart's role in sin. In Matthew 5:21-22 , Jesus teaches, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."

The Apostle Paul also addresses sins of commission in his epistles. In Galatians 5:19-21 , he lists the "acts of the flesh," which include "sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, and witchcraft," among others. These acts are contrary to the Spirit and are considered sins of commission because they involve a conscious decision to act against God's will.

Sins of Omission:

Sins of omission, on the other hand, occur when an individual fails to do what is right or neglects a duty or responsibility. These sins are not about committing a wrongful act but rather failing to act when action is required. James 4:17 succinctly captures this concept: "Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin."

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the sin of omission. In this account, a priest and a Levite pass by a man who has been beaten and left for dead, failing to offer assistance. Their inaction, despite knowing the right thing to do, highlights the sin of omission. Conversely, the Samaritan, who stops to help, exemplifies the righteousness of fulfilling one's moral duty.

Jesus also emphasizes the importance of active righteousness in Matthew 25:31-46 , where He describes the final judgment. Those who are commended are those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, and visited the sick and imprisoned. The failure to perform these acts of kindness and mercy is seen as a sin of omission.

Theological Implications:

Both sins of commission and omission underscore the comprehensive nature of sin in human life. They remind believers of the need for vigilance in both their actions and inactions. The Bible calls Christians to a life of holiness, which involves not only refraining from evil but also actively pursuing good. As Paul writes in Romans 12:21 , "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Understanding these categories of sin encourages believers to seek God's guidance and strength to live a life that honors Him in all aspects. Through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to be mindful of their actions and inactions, striving to align their lives with God's will.James 4:17
Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 7:15
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Topicalbible.org

Whether Sins of Commission and Omission Differ Specifically?
... Objection 1: It would seem that sins of commission and omission differ specifically. ...
Therefore sins of omission and commission differ specifically. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sins of commission and.htm

Of the Distinction of Sins (Nine Articles)
... against? (5) Whether sins differ in relation to the debt of punishment? (6)
Whether they differ in regard to omission and commission? (7 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of the distinction of sins.htm

The Sin of Omission.
... is as deep and damning as the sin of commission. "Forgive,""said the dying archbishop
Usher,""forgive all my sins, especially my sins of omission.". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/shedd/sermons to the natural man/the sin of omission.htm

A Private Evening Prayer for the Lord's Day.
... fault thou hast done that day by omission or commission, and then fetching from
thy heart a deep sigh, say]"and for all these my sins, my conscience cries ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/a private evening prayer for.htm

A Ribband of Blue.
... We are not to suppose that sins of omission, any more than sins of commission, are
looked lightly upon by GOD: sins of forgetfulness and heedlessness or ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/a ribband of blue.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... most other Sins, I desire it may be consider'd that there are two sorts of Sins
that we are all guilty of, Sins of Omission and Sins of Commission, under which ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm

The Wilderness State
... And, First, sin of commission. This ... him. That light is much more
frequently lost by giving way to sins of omission. This ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 46 the wilderness state.htm

The Conclusion an Examination and Comparison of Each of the Three ...
... a preceptive law by omission. On this account they are called sins of omission
and of commission. If a prohibitive law be observed ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/the conclusion an examination and.htm

Pleading
... thee." Acknowledge the sins of your youth and your manhood, the sins of your body
and of your soul, the sins of omission and of commission, sins against the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/pleading.htm

Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway.
... My sins of omission and of commission, she said, are all passed by; my iniquities
are all forgiven, and washed away in the blood of the Lamb; and now I rejoice ...
/.../chapter xviii death of martha.htm

How can I know that my future sins are forgiven? | GotQuestions.org

How could Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven,” before He died on the cross? | GotQuestions.org

Why should we confess our sins to one another (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.org

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