What Is Sin?

The Bible's answer

Sin is any action, feeling, or thought that goes against God's standards. It includes breaking God's laws by doing what is wrong, or unrighteous, in God's sight.  (1 John 3:4; 5:17)  The Bible also describes sins of omission-that is, failing to do what is right. -James 4:17. 

In the Bible's original languages, the words for sin mean "to miss a mark," or a target.  For example, a group of soldiers in ancient Israel were so adept at slinging stones that they "would not miss."  That expression, if translated literally, could read "would not sin."  (Judges 20:16) Thus, to sin is to miss the mark of God's perfect standards. 

As the Creator, God has the right to set the standards for mankind.  (Revelation 4:11)  We are accountable to him for our actions. -Romans 14:12.

Is it possible to avoid sinning completely?

No. The Bible says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  (Romans 3:23; 1 Kings 8:46; Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8)  Why is that so? 

The first humans, Adam and Eve, were sinless in the beginning.  That is because they were created perfect, in God's image.  (Genesis 1:27) However,they lost their perfection by disobeying God.  (Genesis 3:5,6, 17-19) When they had children, they passed on sin and imperfection as inherited defects.  (Romans 5:12) As King David of Israel said, "I was born guilty of error." -Psalm 51:5.

Next time:  What Is Sin? /Are some sins worse than others?

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