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.
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