What is sin?

[wonby1]

Well?

From my vantage point, sin does not really exist. Notice how the scriptures describe sin as "darkness". Darkness does not exist. In fact, all darkness is, is a word to describe a lack of light.

Sin is simply the rejection of the love of God, nothing more. It does not exist. God did not create it.

 

[Danus]

Sin can be said to be nothing more than an absence of God, just as darkness is an absence of light, but tell that to someone in a dark room who can't find a light switch because they can't see.

 

[Nick]

My pastor often explains sin by saying that it is a three letter word with a big I in the middle...

sIn

...iPod, iPhone, iPad, iMac, it's all I I I nowdays, although it's nothing new. It started in the Garden, us putting ourselves before what God wanted.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

The word from the Greek most commonly translated "sin" is harmartia. It means, literally, "missing the mark," as in an errant arrow missing the bulls-eye. God has set a standard. It is too high to attain, but He nonetheless expects us to do so. So it isn't nonexistent, but it also isn't a tangible "thing." It is a lack of performance, a failure to achieve perfection -- Every. Single. Time.

 

[Mitspa]

I think in the traditional sense it is as number says. Or as scripture says, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him this is sin. I like the OP original thought and their is much truth there also I believe. The understanding of being under the OLD Covenant law, and a transgression against that law as sin is well described in scripture. I do not think many seem to understand that we who are under a NEW Covenant, have been set free from ever being charged by the OLD. We have new and better agreements with God. Any "sin" of a believer would be against this New Covenant.
The law of faith, The royal law of love, the law of liberty, the law of Christ, The law of the Spirit of life.
Now because these laws have not been laid out in a legalistic way, THOU SHALT NOT etc.. Most believers do not ever come to see these laws, because they are spiritual. All written upon the heart. If we had perfect fellowship with that which we where given at the new birth, we would never need to be taught anything as far as laws or rules.
So in my view, all sin is a trangression of the law written upon the heart.

 

[ezra]

James 4:17
New King James Version (NKJV)
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.


there is sin of omission and sin of commission

 

[farouk]

1 John 5.17

 

[ezra]

1 John 5.17

:amen

 

[farouk]

:amen

Just trying to give one of a number of Biblical definitions. Blessings.

 

[Mitspa]

I agree with the bible, It is also written that IN HIM we cannot sin, he who sins has not seen or known Him. So all is true?
This is where the other scriptures must be brought in to shine their light of truth upon this issue.
The "flesh" is always the element of sin, no matter how much religious training it has had upon its lust and desires. The pharisee is forever a witness of this truth.
The "spirit" is born of God cannot sin, for seed remains in it.
So as we look at Pauls epistles we always see him pointing the believer to the spirit, he NEVER points them back to the law as the answer to the sin issue. Always the Spirit of Grace.
For sin will not have dominion over you, because you are not under law but under grace.

 

[ezra]

I agree with the bible, It is also written that IN HIM we cannot sin, he who sins has not seen or known Him. So all is true?
This is where the other scriptures must be brought in to shine their light of truth upon this issue.
The "flesh" is always the element of sin, no matter how much religious training it has had upon its lust and desires. The pharisee is forever a witness of this truth.
The "spirit" is born of God cannot sin, for seed remains in it.
So as we look at Pauls epistles we always see him pointing the believer to the spirit, he NEVER points them back to the law as the answer to the sin issue. Always the Spirit of Grace.
For sin will not have dominion over you, because you are not under law but under grace.

Each man and woman born into this world is a being made of three (3) distinct components:

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV) we do sin yes sin does not have control over us.
"I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
(Romans 7:21-25 KJV) this has to brought out. WE do sin but if we was to break it down as to which part it is that sins. if we did not Sin there would be no need of repentance .jesus said unless you repent you shall perish... (note) that is not how it reads word for word. but as i say its ezra 3:16 my version ------------Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

 

[Mitspa]

Each man and woman born into this world is a being made of three (3) distinct components:

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV) we do sin yes sin does not have control over us.
"I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
(Romans 7:21-25 KJV) this has to brought out. WE do sin but if we was to break it down as to which part it is that sins. if we did not Sin there would be no need of repentance .jesus said unless you repent you shall perish... (note) that is not how it reads word for word. but as i say its ezra 3:16 my version ------------Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Well ezra, I agree with much you are saying, but the believer is "two" men. Old man of flesh which has the element and source of sin. New man, spirit, "New Creation" created in Christ Jesus in righteousness and true holiness.

Much of our debates and conflicts come because I see myself and other believers as this New Spiritual Man. I feed this truth and those that worship God in spirit, and have no confidence in the flesh. Not all can relate to what I am saying or teaching, thats ok! I am speaking not to those who see themselves as fleshly, but to those who see themselves as spiritual IN CHRIST.
Now I believe you are a honest and sincere man, I believe God has many rewards for your service and His love for you cannot be challenged. But just as Paul withstood Peter I know what I believe, why I believe it and that I was taught by the Spirit of truth. I do not yield nor can I be moved. I would like to find as much common ground with you as I can, but that is up to you.

Point blank John said IN HIM, WE HAVE NO SIN AND CANNOT SIN, BECUASE HIS SEED REMAINS IN US.

now only I have ever explained to you this truth, you may not like that it comes from me? But be humble as you teach and ask of others.l

 

[ezra]

Well ezra, I agree with much you are saying, but the believer is "two" men. Old man of flesh which has the element and source of sin. New man, spirit, "New Creation" created in Christ Jesus in righteousness and true holiness.

Much of our debates and conflicts come because I see myself and other believers as this New Spiritual Man. I feed this truth and those that worship God in spirit, and have no confidence in the flesh. Not all can relate to what I am saying or teaching, thats ok! I am speaking not to those who see themselves as fleshly, but to those who see themselves as spiritual IN CHRIST.
Now I believe you are a honest and sincere man, I believe God has many rewards for your service and His love for you cannot be challenged. But just as Paul withstood Peter I know what I believe, why I believe it and that I was taught by the Spirit of truth. I do not yield nor can I be moved. I would like to find as much common ground with you as I can, but that is up to you. { I see myself and other believers as this New Spiritual Man.} i am a spiritual man/ new creation in Christ.. but the old man has tendencies to show up and act up God gave us a choice and he given us that power to make that choice of RIGHT and live the RIGHT WAY. when the no no button is pushed anger temptation etc... i must make the Choice the use the power given me to live a sanctified life. but like every one else at times i fail to make the right Choice.. as Paul wrote o wretched man am i .. declare the whole council ..not pick the part we like....:yes

Point blank John said IN HIM, WE HAVE NO SIN AND CANNOT SIN, BECUASE HIS SEED REMAINS IN US.

now only I have ever explained to you this truth, you may not like that it comes from me? But be humble as you teach and ask of others.l

if i wanted to take the time i could show you scriptures explain in great detail .. showing we do sin.... so point blank in your rebuke..close but no cigar i understand what the scriptures say

 

[Mitspa]

if i wanted to take the time i could show you scriptures explain in great detail .. showing we do sin.... so point blank in your rebuke..close but no cigar i understand what the scriptures say

I am sure you allow your flesh to sin, but it is no longer you, but sin that dwells in you!

Do you not understand what I am trying to show others? The issue is not if we sin? The issue is how God has given us power over sin. But that power comes as we understand where sin dwells? "in the flesh" How do we overcome?
Not by power, nor by might but by My Spirit saith the Lord.

So Im not interested in debate for debates sake, I am interested in helping others be free from sin.
I am not here to confess, I confess to God alone, everybody with a brain and an honest heart, knows that all men sin. But that is not why God has me on this forum, the victory is not in mans weakness but in walking in REAL GRACE!

but there is a sinless part of every born-again believer. I am trying to AWAKE them to this understanding.

Awake to righteousness and sin not. When believers understand who they are in Christ, sin is no issue, it has lost its power over them.

Because they are walking in the spirit, and the lust of the flesh are put to death. This is the ONLY WAY! so why do all the folks who are so worried about sin, not teach the way of the spirit? Why do so many focus on the problem and not the solution? This is insane to me!

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

I am sure you allow your flesh to sin, but it is no longer you, but sin that dwells in you!

Do you not understand what I am trying to show others? The issue is not if we sin? The issue is how God has given us power over sin. But that power comes as we understand where sin dwells? "in the flesh" How do we overcome?
Not by power, nor by might but by My Spirit saith the Lord.

So Im not interested in debate for debates sake, I am interested in helping others be free from sin.
I am not here to confess, I confess to God alone, everybody with a brain and an honest heart, knows that all men sin. But that is not why God has me on this forum, the victory is not in mans weakness but in walking in REAL GRACE!

but there is a sinless part of every born-again believer. I am trying to AWAKE them to this understanding.

Awake to righteousness and sin not. When believers understand who they are in Christ, sin is no issue, it has lost its power over them.

Because they are walking in the spirit, and the lust of the flesh are put to death. This is the ONLY WAY! so why do all the folks who are so worried about sin, not teach the way of the spirit? Why do so many focus on the problem and not the solution? This is insane to me!

Wow! Incredible post, Mit! Well said.

 

[ezra]

Do you not understand what I am trying to show

has there been any place in post that said I DO NOT UNDERSTAND???????? not sure what you think i am or are dealing with. but i am far from a novice .. i understand and know more than what you think......

The issue is how God has given us power over sin.

DID i not say this in my previous post???????

I am not here to confess, I confess to God alone

i never asked you to confess ..i simply use my failures as a human being..to show others i stumble ..but i also know how to pick my self up with GOD help .start all over again... i have my own style of preaching.... i don,t look to man for approval ..none of this is my 1st rodeo i been to the Holy Ghost school of hard knocks.. you see i am just a earthen vessel (clay jar ) the power is not of ME but of God. i reach out to the down and out. for that you have come to there level and reach out.... i must say i do enjoy a hearty debate with ya.... i have to pace my self because i tend to pull all out.. sometimes it is took wrong... no retreat no surrender.... i stand by my beliefs till the Holy Spirit ==teacher==shows me different

 

[John 8:32]

Well?

From my vantage point, sin does not really exist. Notice how the scriptures describe sin as "darkness". Darkness does not exist. In fact, all darkness is, is a word to describe a lack of light.

Sin is simply the rejection of the love of God, nothing more. It does not exist. God did not create it.

God has a different vantage point...

1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

 

[vocalyocal]

God has a different vantage point...

1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Thats the one that came to my mind also, in fact in the translation I use it says 1 John 3:4


"whoever commits sin, also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness"


this also flows in line to the rebuke Jesus gives the seven churches, and Mathew 7:23 "And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"

 

[Deborah13]

I am sure you allow your flesh to sin, but it is no longer you, but sin that dwells in you!

Do you not understand what I am trying to show others? The issue is not if we sin? The issue is how God has given us power over sin. But that power comes as we understand where sin dwells? "in the flesh" How do we overcome?
Not by power, nor by might but by My Spirit saith the Lord.

So Im not interested in debate for debates sake, I am interested in helping others be free from sin.
I am not here to confess, I confess to God alone, everybody with a brain and an honest heart, knows that all men sin. But that is not why God has me on this forum, the victory is not in mans weakness but in walking in REAL GRACE!

but there is a sinless part of every born-again believer. I am trying to AWAKE them to this understanding.

Awake to righteousness and sin not. When believers understand who they are in Christ, sin is no issue, it has lost its power over them.

Because they are walking in the spirit, and the lust of the flesh are put to death. This is the ONLY WAY! so why do all the folks who are so worried about sin, not teach the way of the spirit? Why do so many focus on the problem and not the solution? This is insane to me!

One of your best posts, Mitspa. It really explains where you are coming from.

Focusing on the problem never solves anything. Focusing on Jesus does.
If you have a problem with sin in your life, look toward the source of life not away from Him.

 

[wonby1]

What about Romans 14:23? "Whatever is not faith is sin".

Put another way, all one has to do is place their faith in God and instantly be on the right road just as the spy Rahab let the Israelites into Jericho. Her past life of prositution was not considered as she and her household were spared.