Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian theological framework, sin is fundamentally understood as any action, thought, or disposition that is contrary to the will and character of God. The concept of sin is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, beginning with the fall of humanity in Genesis and extending throughout the entirety of Scripture. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear articulation of sin, particularly in its description of unrighteousness.Definition and Nature of Sin Sin is often defined as "missing the mark," a term derived from the Greek word "hamartia." It signifies a failure to live up to God's perfect standards. The Apostle John succinctly states, "All unrighteousness is sin" (1 John 5:17). This definition underscores the comprehensive nature of sin, encompassing not only overt actions but also the internal attitudes and thoughts that deviate from God's holiness. Biblical Examples of Unrighteousness Throughout the Bible, various forms of unrighteousness are depicted as sin. In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide a foundational understanding of actions considered sinful, such as idolatry, murder, theft, and bearing false witness. The prophets frequently called Israel to repentance for their unrighteousness, emphasizing justice, mercy, and humility before God (Micah 6:8). In the New Testament, Jesus expands the understanding of sin to include internal dispositions. In the Sermon on the Mount, He teaches that anger and lust are equivalent to murder and adultery in the eyes of God (Matthew 5:21-28). The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the nature of sin in his epistles, listing various acts of unrighteousness such as sexual immorality, greed, and envy (Galatians 5:19-21). The Universality of Sin The Bible asserts the universality of sin, affirming that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This universal condition highlights humanity's inherent need for redemption and reconciliation with God. The doctrine of original sin, derived from the narrative of Adam and Eve's disobedience in Genesis 3, explains the pervasive nature of sin in human experience. Consequences of Sin Sin results in both spiritual and physical consequences. Spiritually, sin separates individuals from God, as "your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God" (Isaiah 59:2). This separation leads to spiritual death, as articulated by Paul: "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Physically, sin can lead to various forms of suffering and disorder in the world, as seen in the curses pronounced in Genesis 3. Redemption from Sin Despite the pervasive nature of sin, the Bible offers a message of hope and redemption through Jesus Christ. The sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ provide the means by which humanity can be reconciled to God. As John writes, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This promise of forgiveness and cleansing is central to the Christian gospel. Living Righteously Believers are called to live righteously, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin. Paul exhorts Christians to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). This transformation involves a continual process of sanctification, as believers seek to align their lives with God's will and character. In summary, sin, as all unrighteousness, is a fundamental concept in the Bible that encompasses both actions and attitudes contrary to God's nature. It is universal in scope, resulting in separation from God, but through Christ, redemption and a path to righteousness are made available to all who believe. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 5:17All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not to death. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ... Sin. January the Twenty-Seventh the Confession of Sin 1 John v. L7, 18 1 John i. 9, 10 Sin's Brood. Of the Liberty Proper to Man's Nature, and the Servitude ... Our Unrighteousness. Sin and the Penalty of Sin the Same. The Sin against the Holy Ghost. 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) |