06
THE GOSPEL · LESSON 06
WHAT IS SIN?
Sin is any thought, word, action, desire, omission, pride, unbelief, or self-willed way that violates God’s holy character and law. Sin is not merely weakness, culture, or personal preference. It is rebellion against God, and every person has sinned.
Sin is transgression of God’s law. It is not simply what society dislikes or what a person personally feels is wrong. Sin is breaking God’s command and living outside His authority.
Sin is not only doing what God forbids. It is also failing to do what God commands. When a person knows the right thing and refuses to do it, that refusal is sin before God.
Sin also includes living outside faith toward God. A person may do something outwardly acceptable, but if it is not done in faith and a clear conscience before God, it becomes sin.
Sin is not limited to outward actions. Even foolish thoughts are sin before God. God sees the heart, the mind, and the inward life of man.
Pride is not a small personality problem. A high look and a proud heart reveal a spirit lifted up against God. The Bible calls this sin before the Lord.
Sin is turning to our own way instead of God’s way. This verse shows both mankind’s rebellion and God’s provision: our iniquity was laid upon Christ.
Every person has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Mankind’s problem is not only ignorance, weakness, or environment. It is guilt before a holy God.
Sin entered the world through Adam, and death came by sin. Sin is not a small issue. It brought death into the human race and affects every person.
The greatest danger of sin is not only earthly consequences. Sin brings spiritual separation from the holy God who made us.
Sin earns death, but God offers eternal life through Jesus Christ. This reveals both the seriousness of sin and the hope of the gospel.
Denying sin is self-deception. A person cannot receive the cure if he refuses to admit the disease. God calls sinners to be honest before Him.
God does not call sinners to hide their sin, excuse it, or rename it. He calls them to confess it. Forgiveness and cleansing are found in His faithfulness and righteousness.
Sin includes more than outward crimes. It includes pride, unbelief, foolish thoughts, selfishness, refusing to do good, and turning to our own way instead of God’s way.
Some sins may be committed in ignorance, but sin is still serious before God. It is not merely an error; it is a violation of God’s holiness and law.
God sees the heart. Sin includes the inner life before God, not only outward behavior people can see.
God does not judge by comparing people to one another. He judges by His own holy standard. All have sinned and come short of His glory.
God is loving, but He is also holy and just. The cross of Jesus Christ shows both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s mercy.
If sin is transgression against God’s law, we must stop treating it lightly. Sin is not only harmful to ourselves and others; it is first and foremost against God.
We need more than behavior improvement. We need forgiveness, cleansing, and a new heart. Because man is guilty before God, he needs salvation through Jesus Christ.
Sin is not a small matter. It is transgression of God’s law, falling short of His glory, turning to our own way, thinking foolishly, acting proudly, failing to do good, and living outside faith toward God. But the Bible reveals sin so we may see our need for Christ. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.