What is sin according to the Bible?
When it comes to sin, the Bible provides a long history of what it is. Starting with the first sin in the Garden of Eden and to the end of sin after Jesus’ second coming. Luckily, it also gives a simple definition of sin in 1 John 3:4 that it is the breaking of God’s law. Seen as being disobedient, rebelling against God’s will, or going against His command.
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
But that isn’t a full answer, because what is the law that sinners transgress? There is a whole book about the law, the fifth book in the Bible, called Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy means the “second law” or “repeated law”, from the Greek title of the book, Deuteronomion. This repetition of the law is from the recorded giving of God’s law, the ten commandments in Exodus 20:2–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21. But also the laws of Moses that were given by God.
God’s Law of Love
But it’s not just about following a set of rules; it’s about our relationship with God and with others. Relationships of love. Jesus summarized the ten commandments as the two greatest laws, to love God and love your neighbor.
Jesus also taught us that even our thoughts betray us as sinners. Our hearts are deceitful. Shown by how we speak and act, but also our thoughts because actions follow thoughts. When we think, speak, or act not of love, then it is sinful. Sin makes us unrighteous in God’s eyes and court.
When did sin start and how did it originate?
The Bible tells us that sin started way back when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). After creating the Garden of Eden and putting Adam in it to dress and keep it, God gave these instructions to him
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
Genesis 2:16-17
Later on, after God had created Eve and they had been together, Satan disguised as a serpent came to Eve. Satan put doubt in Eve’s mind about if she should follow God’s command or not. If what He instructed was true or not. But she chose to not listen to God. Adam knew what she did was wrong, and decided to eat and follow what she did instead of listening to God too.
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
Genesis 3:6
However, this was not the origin of sin, even if it was the original sin for humanity. As sin started in heaven with Lucifer, who sinned when he became prideful (Ezekiel 28:13-17). And then thought to become like God, to put his throne above God (Isaiah 14:12-14). The worst blasphemy and in open rebellion against God. Becoming a liar and schemer against God.
Then in the culmination of Lucifer’s rebellion, he waged open war against God, fighting with Michael the heavenly angels (Revelation 12:7-9). But Lucifer lost and was thrown out of heaven with the angels that rebelled with him, becoming Satan and demons.
The Sinful Nature of Humanity
Then for the first time sin entered into heaven, then into earth. It was like a stain that has affected all of humanity since then, creating a state of moral imperfection and separation from God. This state was passed down by Adam and Eve, to all of humanity (Romans 5:12). Creating in humanity a sinful nature, cursed by their own actions, now with the inevitable propensity to sin. The earth as well was cursed by sin (Genesis 3:17-18, Romans 8:22). With Satan and the fallen angels still fighting against God on earth, negatively influencing humanity to keep sinning even to this day.
The Bible describes our sinful nature and sin as “works of the flesh”. Giving us many warnings and examples of how dangerous that nature is (Galatians 5:19-21).
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
We are All Sinners Needing to be Redeemed
The Bible teaches that all human beings have sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). It emphasizes that sin has serious consequences, including spiritual death and separation from God (Romans 6:23). Sin is seen as a fundamental problem that affects every aspect of human existence, leading to brokenness, suffering, and the need for redemption.
And ultimately we need redemption because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Wages mean the consequences, but also payment. You see when you work for something you get paid. In 1 Corinthians 3:8, it says “each will receive his wages according to his labor.”
The Bible identifies various types of sin, including lying, stealing, murder, adultery, idolatry, covetousness, and many others. It also emphasizes that sin is not just limited to outward actions but can also involve internal attitudes and motivations of the heart (Matthew 5:21-30).
But here’s the amazing part: the Bible also offers us a way to find forgiveness and restoration. It shows us that God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for our sins, offering us a chance to be reconciled with Him. So, while sin is a serious matter, it’s also an opportunity for us to experience God’s grace and find redemption.
The Bible teaches that Jesus, through his sacrificial death on the cross, offers forgiveness and salvation to all who believe in him and repent of their sins (John 3:16, Acts 2:38). Taking our sins on Himself, and our wages. Death. The Christian belief is that through Jesus’ atonement, believers can be reconciled with God and receive the gift of eternal life.
Then in the last act of great love, Jesus will return to resolve the problem of sin with His second coming.
"For 30 years I've been gaming. I lived it, grew up in it, and for most of my life I thought I could live in the world and live in Christ too. I was WRONG. After years of unknowingly running FROM God, I finally surrendered and trusted fully in him instead of myself. He then in 2018 pulled me out of the world and showed me his truth, showed me what it means to truly follow Jesus. Now I bring the gospel message directly to other gamers, I won't be able to pull them out of the world, but we can plant seeds from God to water! This channel is dedicated to preaching the Three Angels Message across the internet broadcasting community and preaching the gospel for all who are willing to hear, and teaching people what it means to "Forsake the World". Edward came from a Baptist and Catholic family background. Very familiar with scripture, but not fully understanding it until 5 years ago. Now he is on fire for the Truth and the Bible. A Christian and Seventh-day Adventist. A layman just wanting to help spread the Gospel to gamers. - Read more about Edward Preach.
