Topical Encyclopedia Sin, in its essence, is a transgression against the divine law and the will of God. It is an act of rebellion that separates humanity from the holiness of God. While sin can often be subtle and hidden, it is sometimes open and manifest, evident in the actions and behaviors of individuals and communities. The Bible provides numerous examples of such overt sin, serving as warnings and lessons for believers.Biblical Examples of Open and Manifest Sin 1. The Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah: The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are quintessential examples of open and manifest sin. Their iniquity was so great that it cried out to God for judgment. Genesis 18:20 states, "Then the LORD said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Their sin is so grievous.'" The blatant immorality and lack of righteousness in these cities led to their ultimate destruction by divine intervention. 2. The Golden Calf Incident: In Exodus 32, the Israelites openly sinned by creating and worshiping a golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law. This act of idolatry was a direct violation of God's commandments. Exodus 32:8 records God's words: "They have quickly turned aside from the way I commanded them. They have made for themselves a molten calf, have bowed down to it, and sacrificed to it." 3. The Rebellion of Korah: Numbers 16 recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. This was a public and defiant act against God's appointed leaders. Numbers 16:3 describes their challenge: "They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, 'You have gone too far! All the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?'" 4. The Sin of Achan: In Joshua 7, Achan's sin of taking forbidden items from Jericho was initially hidden but became manifest when Israel faced defeat at Ai. Joshua 7:20-21 reveals Achan's confession: "It is true, I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them." 5. The Adultery of David: King David's sin with Bathsheba, as recorded in 2 Samuel 11, was initially concealed but became manifest through the consequences and the confrontation by the prophet Nathan. 2 Samuel 12:9 highlights Nathan's rebuke: "Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife as your own." Characteristics of Open and Manifest Sin Open and manifest sin is characterized by its visibility and the lack of shame or repentance by those committing it. It often involves a public defiance of God's commandments and can lead to severe consequences both for individuals and communities. Such sin is not only a personal affront to God but can also lead others astray, causing a ripple effect of unrighteousness. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, open and manifest sin underscores the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine intervention and redemption. It highlights the importance of accountability, repentance, and the transformative power of God's grace. The Bible consistently calls believers to live lives of holiness, resisting the temptation to engage in or condone open sin. Scriptural Warnings and Exhortations The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against open sin and exhortations to pursue righteousness. Proverbs 28:13 advises, "He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy." Similarly, 1 John 1:9 offers hope: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." In summary, while sin can sometimes be hidden, the Bible is replete with examples and teachings on the dangers and consequences of open and manifest sin. Believers are called to vigilance, repentance, and a steadfast commitment to God's righteous standards. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Timothy 5:24Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Augustine Fittingly Defines Confession? The Sin against the Holy Ghost. A Letter on the Sin against the Holy Ghost to John Uytenbogard ... The Way of Fellowship Characters Will be Disclosed, and Justice Awarded. Answering the Reasons which those Ministers Give, which Hinder the ... Whether the Sixteen Conditions Usually Assigned are Necessary for ... The Wages of Sin Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ Christ the Breaker 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) |