Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian theological framework, the concept of sin is central to understanding the human condition and the need for divine intervention. Sin is defined as any action, thought, or attitude that falls short of God's perfect standard of holiness and righteousness. It is a transgression against the divine law and a rebellion against God's authority. The Bible consistently teaches that all humans are sinners by nature and by choice, as seen in Romans 3:23: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" .The forgiveness of sin is a fundamental aspect of God's redemptive plan for humanity. According to Scripture, only God has the authority and power to forgive sins. This is rooted in the understanding that sin is ultimately an offense against God Himself. In Psalm 51:4, David acknowledges this truth in his prayer of repentance: "Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight" . This recognition underscores the necessity of seeking God's forgiveness. The Old Testament provides numerous examples of God's willingness to forgive those who repent and turn to Him. In Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals His character to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin" . This passage highlights God's readiness to forgive, emphasizing His mercy and grace. The New Testament further clarifies the divine prerogative to forgive sins through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus declares the forgiveness of a paralytic's sins, prompting the scribes to question, "Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" . This incident not only affirms that God alone can forgive sins but also reveals Jesus' divine authority as the Son of God. The ultimate expression of God's forgiveness is found in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through His atoning work, Jesus provides the means by which humanity can be reconciled to God. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" . This verse encapsulates the Christian belief that forgiveness is a gift of grace, made possible through faith in Christ. The role of confession and repentance is also emphasized in the process of receiving God's forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 assures believers, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" . This promise highlights the importance of acknowledging one's sins and turning to God in humility and faith. In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that God alone has the authority to forgive sins. This divine prerogative is rooted in the nature of sin as an offense against God and is made accessible to humanity through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through confession and repentance, believers can experience the fullness of God's forgiveness and the restoration of their relationship with Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 34:7Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the children's children, to the third and to the fourth generation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 9:9 Micah 7:18 Mark 2:7 Library As He Purposes to Establish the Godhead of the Holy Spirit by the ... God's Glory in Hiding Sin Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence. Blasphemer, or --Who? Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second Fourteenth Lesson. When Ye Stand Praying, Forgive;' God's Barriers against Man's Sin A Passage Quoted by the Heretics against Repentance is Explained ... Further Proofs of the Same Truth in the Same Chapter, from the ... The Wicked and Dishonourable Opinions Held by Arians, Sabellians.. ... 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) |