What is sin?

Sin is a concept that has been integral to the Christian faith from its inception. Understanding sin is essential because it is the basis for why Jesus came into the world, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again to bring salvation to humanity. The Bible defines sin in several ways, providing insights into its nature, consequences, and the remedy for it. One of the clearest definitions of sin is found in 1 John 3:4, which states, “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (NKJV). This definition emphasizes that sin is a violation of God’s law, and it leads to a deeper understanding of what sin is from a biblical perspective.

The Nature of Sin: Lawlessness

The Apostle John provides one of the most explicit biblical definitions of sin in 1 John 3:4, “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (NKJV). The word “lawlessness” is key here, as it denotes an attitude of rebellion against God’s law, an unwillingness to submit to His authority, and an active transgression of His commands. In essence, sin is more than just moral failure; it is an act of rebellion against God’s established order. The word “lawlessness” implies chaos, disorder, and defiance of divine standards.

The biblical view of sin begins with the acknowledgment that God is the sovereign ruler of all creation. His commandments and laws are not arbitrary but are a reflection of His perfect character. Therefore, to sin is to violate the very nature and holiness of God. Romans 3:23 supports this understanding by stating, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NKJV). Sin, therefore, is not merely the breaking of rules but falling short of God’s glory, His holy and perfect standard.

Sin as Missing the Mark

The Bible often uses the metaphor of “missing the mark” to describe sin. The Greek word for sin, “hamartia,” literally means “to miss the mark.” This implies that God has set a standard, and sin is failing to reach that standard. That standard, as revealed in Scripture, is His righteousness. Psalm 119:142 declares, “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth” (NKJV). God’s law is the standard, and sin is any deviation from it, whether in thought, word, or action.

James 4:17 further explains sin as failing to do what is right: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (NKJV). Sin is not just about actively doing wrong; it also includes neglecting to do what is right. This broadens the understanding of sin beyond mere actions to encompass attitudes and omissions. For instance, failing to love others, neglecting to care for the poor, or ignoring God’s call to holiness can all be forms of sin.

Sin as Transgression

In the Bible, sin is frequently described as “transgression.” A transgression is a deliberate overstepping of boundaries, an intentional crossing of a line that God has drawn. The Old Testament uses the Hebrew word “pesha” to denote willful rebellion or transgression against God’s covenant. In 1 John 3:4, “sin is lawlessness” implies that sin is a deliberate violation of God’s law, and it highlights the intentional aspect of rebellion.

This concept of sin as transgression is seen clearly in the Garden of Eden. God gave Adam and Eve a command: “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17, NKJV). When they ate the fruit, they knowingly and willingly transgressed God’s command. This original sin had profound consequences for all of humanity, as Romans 5:12 explains, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (NKJV).

Sin as Iniquity

Another biblical term for sin is “iniquity.” Iniquity refers to a gross injustice or wickedness, a deep-seated sin that perverts justice and distorts the character of the sinner. Psalm 51:5 reveals the depth of iniquity in human nature: “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (NKJV). David acknowledges that sin is not just about actions but also about the sinful nature with which we are born. This inherited sin nature is the source of all sinful actions.

Isaiah 53:6 elaborates on this when it says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (NKJV). Iniquity is the natural inclination to go our own way, to rebel against God’s will, and to live independently of Him. The result is a distorted moral character that only Christ can restore through His atoning sacrifice.

Sin as Separation from God

One of the most serious consequences of sin is that it separates humanity from God. Isaiah 59:2 declares, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (NKJV). Sin creates a barrier between humans and their Creator. This separation is spiritual death, as explained in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NKJV). Sin earns death, which is both physical and spiritual, cutting us off from the source of life—God Himself.

In the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve sinned, they were expelled from God’s immediate presence, symbolizing this separation (Genesis 3:22-24). Humanity’s sinful nature continued to widen this gap between God and man. However, the New Testament reveals that Jesus came to bridge this gap, offering reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 states, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ… that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them” (NKJV).

Sin and the Law

As 1 John 3:4 clearly states, sin is lawlessness. The law of God is a reflection of His character, and sin is a rebellion against His law. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the role of the law in defining sin in Romans 7:7: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law” (NKJV). The law reveals what sin is by providing a clear standard of right and wrong.

The Ten Commandments serve as a summary of God’s moral law (Exodus 20:1-17). Each commandment reveals aspects of God’s character, such as His holiness, justice, and love. Breaking any of these commandments constitutes sin. For example, idolatry (the first commandment), adultery (the seventh commandment), or bearing false witness (the ninth commandment) all reflect violations of God’s law. As James 2:10 points out, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (NKJV). Sin is a serious offense because it breaks the unity of God’s perfect standard.

The Remedy for Sin: Jesus Christ

The good news of the Gospel is that while sin is lawlessness, Jesus came to save sinners from the judgement and the power of sin. 1 John 3:5 tells us, “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin” (NKJV). Jesus lived a sinless life, fulfilling the law perfectly, and He became the perfect sacrifice for sin. His death on the cross satisfied the demands of God’s justice, offering forgiveness and victory over sin.

Romans 5:8-9 illustrates the grace of God in dealing with sin: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (NKJV). Jesus’ sacrifice reconciles us to God, bridging the separation caused by sin.

Victory Over Sin

Through Jesus Christ, believers are given victory over sin. While sin remains a reality in the world and in human nature, Christians are no longer slaves to sin. Romans 6:14 proclaims, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (NKJV). Grace empowers believers to overcome sin, live in obedience to God, and be transformed into the likeness of Christ.

1 John 1:9 gives the assurance that if we do fall into sin, we can be forgiven: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (NKJV). Sin’s power has been broken, and through Christ, we can walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4, NKJV). Christ came to restore that which was lost, and the Christian may therefore expect to have the divine image restored in his soul (2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 3:14).

This possibility is the believer’s goal to stimulate him to overcome sin by God’s grace (Philippians 4:13). The believer will reach this goal to the extent that he accepts and uses the powers in the spiritual gifts Christ has made available to him. The transformation begins at the new birth and continues until Christ’s appearing by God’s grace (1 John 3:2).

Through God’s grace and power, Christians become “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37, NKJV). And they will proclaim, “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NKJV). And they will give praise and glory to God throughout eternity (Revelation 5:11–13; 15:3, 4; 19:5, 6).

Conclusion

Sin, as defined by 1 John 3:4, is lawlessness. It is a violation of God’s perfect law, resulting in separation from Him. Sin includes both active transgressions and failures to do what is right, and its consequences are severe, leading to death. Yet, through Jesus Christ, the remedy for sin has been provided. His death and resurrection offer forgiveness, reconciliation, and victory over sin, enabling believers to live in obedience to the law and freedom under God’s grace. Sin is a serious matter, but through faith in Christ, its power can be broken, and eternal life can be received” (1 Corinthians 15:57). And they will give praise and glory to God throughout eternity (Revelation 5:11–13; 15:3, 4; 19:5, 6).

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team