The Definitions of Sin

Misconceptions about Sin abound. Relativism has clouded the Air we breath, but the clear, unchanging, never ending, unbiased Meaning of Sin has always remained the same, for those who have ears to hear, and eyes to see.

First off, sin is defined by God, not by man. Sin originated before men came into existence (see Isaiah 14, and Ezekiel 28), and has been part of life from the very beginning (Genesis 4:7). Only one who was before the beginning of man, could understand what exactly what sin has done, and exactly what needs to be done to correct it, and overcome it.

Once we grasp these simple facts, only then can we really grow up in our understanding of the power of sin, and the work we must do to overcome sin in our own lives.

Before we dive into the short study, it is good to remind ourselves of what is at steak. Send is what cause the separation between God and man (Isaiah 59:2).

Right now, thankfully, we have the ability to make a choice: to allow sin to continue to separate us from God for eternity, or we can make a choice to allow God’s solution to the problem of sin, to invade our lives, and save us from eternal separation from God.

With these powerful considerations in mind, let us dive into our study on the subject of sin.

The Bible provides various definitions and descriptions of sin. Here are some key biblical definitions:

Old Testament Definitions

Rebellion: Disobedience against God’s commands (Deuteronomy 9:7, Joshua 1:18).

Transgression: Crossing boundaries or violating laws (Psalm 119:126, Isaiah 24:5).

Iniquity: Twisted or perverse behavior (Leviticus 19:29, Psalm 19:13).

Trespass: Unintentional sin or mistake (Leviticus 4:1-35, 5:14-19).

Wickedness: Intentional evil or immoral behavior (Psalm 1:6, Proverbs 10:16).

New Testament Definitions

Missing the mark: Falling short of God’s standards (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8-10).

Lawlessness: Disregard for God’s law (Matthew 7:23, 1 John 3:4).

Unrighteousness: Contrary to God’s righteousness (Romans 1:18, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

Darkness: Spiritual ignorance or separation from God (John 1:5, 1 John 1:6).

Fleshly desires: Carnal nature opposing God’s will (Galatians 5:16-24, Ephesians 2:3).

Biblical Descriptions

Deceitful: Sin deceives and leads astray (Hebrews 3:13, Ephesians 4:22).

Defiling: Sin pollutes and corrupts (Matthew 15:18-20, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

Destructive: Sin leads to spiritual death (Romans 6:23, James 1:14-15).

Separating: Sin divides us from God and others (Isaiah 59:2, Ephesians 4:18).

Key Bible Verses

Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

1 John 1:8-10: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”

Psalm 51:4: “Against you, you only, have I sinned.”

James 1:14-15: “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Understanding Sin

Original Sin: Humanity’s inherent sinful nature (Romans 5:12-19).

Actual Sin: Specific sinful actions (1 John 1:8-10).

Imputed Sin: Sin attributed to us through Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:12-19).

Personal Sin: Individual sinful choices (Ephesians 2:1-3).

(Exodus 22:1-12, Luke 19:1-10)(Exodus 22:1-12, Luke 19:1-10)

Here’s a more detailed explanation of biblical definitions and concepts related to sin:

Types of Sin

1. Original Sin (Romans 5:12-19, 1 Corinthians 15:22)

Inherent sinful nature inherited from Adam.

Universal and inevitable.

2. Actual Sin (1 John 1:8-10, James 1:14-15)

Specific sinful actions or thoughts.

Committed intentionally or unintentionally.

3. Imputed Sin (Romans 5:12-19, 1 Corinthians 15:22)

Sin attributed to us through Adam’s disobedience.

Represents humanity’s collective guilt.

4. Personal Sin (Ephesians 2:1-3, Colossians 2:13-14)

Individual sinful choices.

Results from personal decisions.

Categories of Sin

1. Sins of Commission (Matthew 15:18-20, Mark 7:20-23)

Active, intentional wrongdoing.

Examples: theft, adultery, murder.

2. Sins of Omission (James 4:17, Matthew 25:41-46)

Passive, unintentional wrongdoing.

Examples: neglecting charity, ignoring God.

3. Sins of Thought (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28)

Mental attitudes contrary to God’s will.

Examples: hatred, lust.

Consequences of Sin

1. Spiritual Death (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:1-3)

Separation from God.

2. Guilt and Shame (Psalm 51:4, Romans 3:19)

Emotional and psychological distress.

3. Physical Consequences (Deuteronomy 28:15-68, Galatians 6:7-8)

Suffering, illness or material loss, broken relationships, broken families, broken, marriages, whole communities at war with one another.

Forgiveness and Redemption

1. Repentance (Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38)

Turning away from sin.
Forsaking sin: Immediately. Completely. Permanently. That is the goal and biblical mandate.
Our standard of measure is not ourselves, not our neighbors, but Christ himself.

2. Faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10)

Trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice.

3. Confession (1 John 1:9, Proverbs 28:13)

Acknowledging sin.

4. Restoration/restitution. (1 John 1:9, Proverbs 28:13)

Relationship Restoration (Matthew 5:23-24, Ephesians 4:32)
Material Restoration (Exodus 22:1-12, Luke 19:1-10)

Theological Insights

1. Total Depravity (Romans 3:10-18, Psalm 51:5)

Humanity’s inherent sinful nature.

2. Original Sin’s Impact (Romans 5:12-19, 1 Corinthians 15:22)

Universal sinfulness.

3. Grace and Mercy (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5-6)

God’s unmerited favor.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

1 John 1:8-10: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”

Psalm 51:4: “Against you, you only, have I sinned.”

James 1:14-15: “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

-From God's Perspective