Sin can be broadly defined as any attitude or action that opposes the character and will of God. Sin is what brings death – that is, separation from God.
Sin also means “missing the mark” or “disobedience to God’s law.” Several different Greek words are used by Paul to describe the tendency of humans to revel against God. This may be a matter of act, of thought, or of inner disposition or state.
The theological term for the study of sin is hamartiology from the Greek hamartia, meaning sin, error, or missing the mark. The Apostle Paul used the verb hamartano when he wrote, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Important Biblical Truths Related to Sin
We were all born in sin and shapted in iniquity (Ps. 51:5)
Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Isaiah 64:6(NIV) “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.”
Sin has to be confessed
Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Hosea 5:15Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me.”
God forgives our Sin
1 John 1:7-9 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
1 Corinthians 15:57“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
GRACE
The New Testament Greek word for grace is “charis” which can be translated as a gift, or the generosity which inspires the gift. Salvation is a gift that is expressed through love and mercy. The only counter force against sin is grace. Grace is the free favor of God, founded upon His holiness. Through grace, salvation is freely given by God to undeserving sinners.
Grace is what God gives that we don't deserve.
Mercy is what God doesn't give that we do deserve.” God withholds the punishment of death from us because of His loving-kindness and tender mercies.
Ephesians 2:8 reads, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
"God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved).” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7)
REPENTANCE, REDEMPTION, AND JUSTIFICATION
The concept of redemption is central to the meaning of salvation. To redeem someone is to recover him from the hands of aliens. In the Christian sense, redemption is secured by the price of Christ's precious blood. It is through this ransom that the Christian experiences deliverance from the world, satan, sin, self, and death.
In the Christian sense, redemption is secured by the price of Christ's precious blood. It is through this ransom that the Christian experiences deliverance from the world, Satan, sin, self, and death.
The concept of redemption is also central to the meaning of salvation.
Repentance demonstrates a total turn away from sin. When one repents, he turns from sin and turns to God. He comes to God for forgiveness. This is motivated by the quickening power of the Word of God.
Our sins make us unclean—unworthy to dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father. They also bring anguish to our soul in this life.
Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Father in Heaven has provided the only way for us to be forgiven of our sins. Christ suffered the penalty for our sins so we can be forgiven if we sincerely repent. As we repent and rely on His saving grace, we will be cleansed from sin. Being justified by God is related to the forgiveness of sins (Rom. 4:7). In Christ by faith we are forgiven because of the atoning death and ressurection (Rom 3:25) and given eternal life (Rom. 6:23; 8:1-3)
What is necessary for repentance?
We must acknowledge that we are sinners.In order to be forgiven, we must first acknowledge within ourselves that we have sinned.
(2 Corinthians 7:10). “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
When we experience godly sorrow, we have a sincere desire for change and a willingness to submit to every requirement for forgiveness.
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. (Psalms 34:18-19 KJV)If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV)
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19 KJV)
True repentance will result in a change of actions
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
Acts 26:20 “But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”
