Topical Encyclopedia The concept of sin as the transgression of the law is deeply rooted in biblical theology and is a fundamental aspect of understanding human nature and the need for redemption. The phrase itself is derived from 1 John 3:4, which states, "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness" . This definition underscores the idea that sin is not merely a moral failing but a violation of God's divine law.Biblical Context The notion of law in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing the moral, ceremonial, and civil laws given to Israel. The moral law, epitomized by the Ten Commandments, serves as a universal standard of righteousness. In Romans 7:7, Paul writes, "What then shall we say? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if not for the law. For I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'" Here, the law functions as a mirror, revealing human sinfulness. Old Testament Foundations In the Old Testament, the law was given to Israel as a covenantal guide for living in relationship with God. Deuteronomy 30:15-16 emphasizes the choice between life and death, blessing and curse, contingent upon obedience to God's commandments. The transgression of these laws, as seen in the narratives of Israel's history, often led to divine judgment and exile, illustrating the serious nature of sin. New Testament Understanding The New Testament expands on the understanding of sin and law through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, intensifies the moral demands of the law, teaching that sin is not only in actions but also in thoughts and intentions (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). This internalization of the law highlights the pervasive nature of sin and the need for a savior. Pauline theology further elaborates on the relationship between sin and the law. In Romans 3:20, Paul asserts, "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin." The law, while holy and good, cannot save; it can only convict and point to the necessity of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The Role of Christ Christ's role in addressing the transgression of the law is central to the gospel message. Jesus is portrayed as the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17), living a sinless life and offering Himself as a perfect sacrifice for sin. Through His death and resurrection, believers are freed from the penalty of the law and empowered to live in accordance with God's will through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-4). Practical Implications Understanding sin as the transgression of the law has practical implications for Christian living. Believers are called to uphold the moral law, not as a means of salvation, but as a response to God's grace. The Holy Spirit enables Christians to live righteously, producing the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a transformed life (Galatians 5:22-23). In summary, the biblical teaching that sin is the transgression of the law provides a framework for understanding the gravity of sin, the purpose of the law, and the necessity of Christ's redemptive work. It calls believers to a life of holiness, empowered by the Spirit, in gratitude for the grace received through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 3:4Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 458. anomia -- lawlessness ... lawlessness, iniquity Definition: lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin. ... iniquity, transgression, unrighteousness. ... ie Violation of law or (genitive case ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/458.htm - 7k Library Whether Transgression is a Special Sin? On the First Sin of the First Man Sin. "And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,", The Manner in which Man Conducted Himself for Fulfilling the First ... Sixteenth Proposition of Arminius Whether a Religious Sins Mortally Whenever He Transgresses the ... 1 John iii. 4-7 The Sin of Omission. A Letter on the Sin against the Holy Ghost to John Uytenbogard ... 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) |