What is sin?

God’s New Covenant teaching

What is sin? Does God offer us freedom from its power in this present life?

You and I may have our own opinions as to what constitutes sin and what doesn’t. In fact most people including most Christians have an incredibly narrow view of sin that is limited to some of the vilest, outward and grievous sins like murder, rape, bank robbery and the like. The reason for this restricted definition of sin is obvious, it is to exclude anything I might be doing, or not doing, or how I might be living, from being categorized as sin. But the truth is our opinions mean nothing, there is only one view of sin that matters, that is God’s. If I won’t recognize His definition of sin – to which His provisions for deliverance from sin relate – then is it not likely that I will both live and die in my sins and suffer an eternal consequence? Wouldn’t it be wiser and safer to examine God’s view of sin? Let’s:

What does the word sin itself mean – To miss God’s portion, both here and hereafter:

According to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word translated “sin” is “hamartano” and means: “To miss the mark and so not share in the prize”. And my portion of the prize that sin causes me to miss? Union with God now, in this life; and union with God hereafter.

What is it that God says is sin? (1) Anything which I do or say that is not righteous, is sin:

1 John 5:17  All unrighteousness is sin…

1Cor 15:34   Awake to righteousness, and do not sin…

What exactly does it mean to always do what is righteous, and to therefore not sin?

John 5:30  (Jesus) My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. (If I do God’s will it is always righteous) 

1) What is sin ? (audio)

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