What is sin?
Posted by Veronica Ligteringen on Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Under: good news message
If Jesus died for our sins, but was Himself without sin, do you think it is important whether we know what sin is?
Simply put "Sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4). So sinning is breaking the law.
The consequence of breaking the law is grave. Read what Paul said to the Roman believers in Romans Chapter 5. "12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" It is clear that even Adam sinned, despite the fact that there was not written code of conduct. He did not obey that which God had instructed, and he died. We also die. (Notice that Adam is not alive somewhere else, he is dead and this same death is passed onto us). Sin is the breaking of the law. Jesus said to the young man, "if you will enter into life, keep the commandments." The young man questioned "which law?" It is plain from Jesus response that he referred to the 10 commandments. (Matthew 19:17). So mankind die when they break the law, but not just any law, we are destined for the grave because we break God's word. We contravene God's code of conduct.
This is why Jesus died for our sins. When we believe in Him, this sentence of death is taken from us. Beware, however, that dogged keeping of the law does not really cut the mustard with our Loving God. Jesus' example and teaching shows that our attitude must be one of love and purity. He said that if we hate our neighbour, then we have in our heart murdered him; if we lust after someone desiring them sexually, imagining being with them in our heart - then in our heart it is as if we have indeed been unfaithful already to our spouse. The strength of this instruction is evident even from Genesis. "Sin crouches at the door" is what God warned Cain, and unless Cain (or any of us) does not overcome it, it (sin) will have mastery over us. Jesus taught us to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbour as ourself.
Yes, Jesus came to take away our sins. He died so we may live, but do not be fooled - There is an expectation that when we accept that Jesus died for our sins, that we will no longer live a sinful life. Baptism pictures a new life, washed of our sin. We do not pick up that old way of life again, we stay pure, calling on God to forgive us for any lapses, knowing Jesus' sacrifice cleanses us from all sin. This is why each Passover Season, we review Jesus death, and partake of the symbols of his death. We confirm our commitment for him and are reminded of God's great love for us, demonstrated in his personal sacrifice. He died so we may live.
Simply put "Sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4). So sinning is breaking the law.
The consequence of breaking the law is grave. Read what Paul said to the Roman believers in Romans Chapter 5. "12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" It is clear that even Adam sinned, despite the fact that there was not written code of conduct. He did not obey that which God had instructed, and he died. We also die. (Notice that Adam is not alive somewhere else, he is dead and this same death is passed onto us). Sin is the breaking of the law. Jesus said to the young man, "if you will enter into life, keep the commandments." The young man questioned "which law?" It is plain from Jesus response that he referred to the 10 commandments. (Matthew 19:17). So mankind die when they break the law, but not just any law, we are destined for the grave because we break God's word. We contravene God's code of conduct.
This is why Jesus died for our sins. When we believe in Him, this sentence of death is taken from us. Beware, however, that dogged keeping of the law does not really cut the mustard with our Loving God. Jesus' example and teaching shows that our attitude must be one of love and purity. He said that if we hate our neighbour, then we have in our heart murdered him; if we lust after someone desiring them sexually, imagining being with them in our heart - then in our heart it is as if we have indeed been unfaithful already to our spouse. The strength of this instruction is evident even from Genesis. "Sin crouches at the door" is what God warned Cain, and unless Cain (or any of us) does not overcome it, it (sin) will have mastery over us. Jesus taught us to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbour as ourself.
Yes, Jesus came to take away our sins. He died so we may live, but do not be fooled - There is an expectation that when we accept that Jesus died for our sins, that we will no longer live a sinful life. Baptism pictures a new life, washed of our sin. We do not pick up that old way of life again, we stay pure, calling on God to forgive us for any lapses, knowing Jesus' sacrifice cleanses us from all sin. This is why each Passover Season, we review Jesus death, and partake of the symbols of his death. We confirm our commitment for him and are reminded of God's great love for us, demonstrated in his personal sacrifice. He died so we may live.
In : good news message
Tags: sin death life jesus passover forgive law commandments
