Biblical Answer

What Does the Bible Say About Sin?

The Bible defines sin as any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature. (Acts 17:26; Genesis 2:16-17; Romans 5:12-20; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22) This means that sin is a breach or rupture of relations between the sinner and the personal God. In other words, sin is a failure to live up to God's standards and laws, and it results in a broken relationship with Him.

The Bible teaches that sin entered the world through the willful transgression of Adam, the first human being created by God. (Romans 5:12) As a result, sin is a pervasive and subtle character that affects everyone. (Romans 3:23) Sin is not just a matter of breaking laws, but it is a fundamental aspect of human nature that separates us from God. The Bible describes sin as a root that produces fruit, and it is a part of our humanity that we cannot escape. (Matthew 7:17-20)

The Bible also teaches that sin has consequences, including spiritual, physical, and eternal death. (Romans 6:23) However, through the Cross of Christ, God has redeemed the entire human race from the possibility of damnation through the heredity of sin. (John 3:16) This means that while sin is a fundamental aspect of human nature, it is not the final word. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be redeemed from sin and restored to a right relationship with God. (1 John 3:8; Romans 8:1-2) Ultimately, the Bible teaches that sin is not just a problem to be solved, but it is an opportunity for God to redeem and restore us to Himself. (Romans 8:28-30)