Topical Encyclopedia Sin, in the biblical context, is any action, thought, or attitude that transgresses the divine law and character of God. It is fundamentally an offense against God, a violation of His holy standards, and a rebellion against His sovereign authority. The Bible consistently portrays sin as detestable and abominable in the sight of God, who is perfectly holy and just.Nature of Sin Sin is first introduced in the Bible in the account of the Fall in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve disobey God's command, leading to the corruption of human nature and the introduction of sin into the world. This original sin has since been inherited by all humanity, as stated in Romans 5:12: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." The essence of sin is lawlessness, as described in 1 John 3:4: "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness." Sin is not merely a mistake or a moral failing; it is a deliberate violation of God's law and an affront to His holiness. God's Hatred of Sin God's abhorrence of sin is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In Proverbs 6:16-19, a list of things that the Lord hates includes "a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." These are manifestations of sin that are detestable to God. Jeremiah 44:4 emphasizes God's warning against sin: "Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets again and again, saying: 'Do not do this detestable thing that I hate.'" This passage underscores God's active opposition to sin and His desire for His people to turn away from it. Consequences of Sin The consequences of sin are severe and far-reaching. Romans 6:23 declares, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Sin results in spiritual death and separation from God, and it ultimately leads to eternal judgment if not atoned for. Isaiah 59:2 further illustrates the separating effect of sin: "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." Sin creates a chasm between humanity and God, hindering fellowship and communion with Him. Redemption from Sin Despite the abominable nature of sin, the Bible reveals God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. In His love and mercy, God provided a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him. Romans 5:8 proclaims, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, the penalty for sin is paid, and forgiveness is made available to all who believe. 1 John 1:9 offers the promise of cleansing from sin: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This assurance highlights God's willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in repentance and faith. The Believer's Response to Sin For those who have been redeemed, the call is to live a life that reflects God's holiness. Romans 6:12-13 exhorts believers: "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness." The believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist sin and pursue righteousness, living in a manner that honors God and aligns with His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 15:9The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but he loves him that follows after righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 44:4,11 Library "And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,", God Willing that all Men Should be Saved. "O Wretched Man that I Am!" The Parable of the Householder. A Sermon, by Bishop Latimer. The Covenant of Works The Doctrine of God Whitefield -- the Method of Grace Indwelling Sin Attributes of Love. Repentance and Impenitence. 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) |