Three Definitions of Sin According to the Bible

Just what exactly is sin anyway? Why do people have differing definition of sin? The saddest part is that people seem to have played as a god of themselves. They think that they can define sin by their own standards and understanding.sin

When it comes to knowing the truth, it is only by God’s word that we can truly establish what the truth is. In this post, I will submit to you 3 definitions of sin straight from the pages of the Bible.

1. Sin is the transgression of the Law.


“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (I John 3:4).

In this verse, we can read that sin is lawlessness. In King James Version, I John 3:4 is translated as, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

Transgression means, “The act of passing over or beyond any law or rule of moral duty; the violation of a law or known principle of rectitude; breach of command” (Webster Dictionary).

From this verse, we can say that whoever disobeys God’s commandments, he is guilty of sin.

2. Sin is not doing what is good.


“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Sin is not just doing something bad to others or to God, but it is also not doing what is good. This verse is resonant to what Jesus said, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them…” (Matthew 7:12). This means that you should not be like a hermit who will try to live in the mountain and seclude yourself from the civilization just to avoid sinning. Christianity is more than that. It is being consciously and actively finding opportunity to do good.

3. Sin is whatever not from Faith.


“… for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).

This verse tells us that doubting and doing something against your faith is sin. If your faith tells you that you should not do something and yet do it still, you will be guilty of sin. Sometimes, an act is not necessarily a sin but it becomes a sin if done against your belief, faith, and conscience. For example is keeping Christmas. You know that it is not of the Christian faith to keep Christmas and yet you still celebrate it, then you are sinning.

These are the three basic definition of sin found in the Bible. Knowing these definitions will help us to battle sin more effectively. Know your enemy and win the battle at the end.

Additional reading:

What is Sin?

The Commission Jesus Christ Gave Us

Making God our Top Priority

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Fundamental Beliefs

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4 thoughts on “Three Definitions of Sin According to the Bible

  1. Another definition of sin is found in 1 Sam 12:23 where Samuel said it was a sin to stop praying for the people. In essence we are too pray for those that need it.

  2. Another definition of sin is found in 1 Sam 12:23 where Samuel said it was a sin for him to stop praying for the people. In essence, we should prglhay for others when they need it.

  3. I always learn from.this place is indeed a helping tool and an eye opener to me.thanks so much.Can I be getting your notifications of word of God?I would appreciate.

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