Sin is an ugly word that has its root and meaning in Scripture. Webster attests to the severity of this word in human terms. In the New Testament, the Greek word that’s translated as sin is “hammeria” which literally means to “miss the mark” (from archery). Our interest here is in how God defines it.
How Scripture answers "What is sin?"
Sin is any deed or action that is contrary to God’s law2,3,5,6 – His word5 – as well as anything a Christian might do against their ‘faith-trained’ conscience9,10. It is characterized as “wrongdoing”4, “lawlessness”7, anything “contrary to sound doctrine”5, “works of the flesh”3, “from the world”2, unrighteousness6, or anytime one doesn’t do what they know to be right9 or does do something they believe to be wrong10. Sin begins with being tempted by a human desire1 (e.g. lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes, pride2) which can then lead to spiritual death1, or not inheriting the kingdom of God3,6, but it doesn’t have to4. This distinction between sin and the practice of it – or continuing in it – is noteworthy1,3,4,7,8.
Answer built on scripture-blocks below
1
Sin is predicated by one’s own, unchecked desire that can advance to spiritual death.
2
Contrasted with doing the “will of the Father” in the very next verse, sin is doing (acting on) “desires” (lust) of the flesh, eyes (e.g. coveting, etc.) and pride (e.g. materialism, vanity, etc.).
3
Sin is various deeds “of the flesh” not in keeping with God’s word, the practice of which will jeopardize one’s heavenly reward.
4
Sin is various deeds “of the flesh” not in keeping with God’s word, the practice of which will jeopardize one’s heavenly reward.
!! scripture-block context extra important here !!
5
Paul lists several, specific sinful lifestyles but condemns any lifestyle lived that does not align with God’s word.
6
The “unrighteous” are categorized as those that are practicing certain things contrary to God’s law which will jeopardize their inheritance of heaven.
7
Sin is lawlessness, particularly continuing in it.
8
Sin is likened to touching things unclean and the practice of sinning is how we jeopardize God welcoming us as a father does with his children.
9
Sin is failing to do what you know to be right.
related to 'What is sin?'
lend your own study to the discussion
PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY: While your email is required, it will not be posted publically.
All comments are vetted for potential spam before being published, but will not be restricted otherwise.
