What is sin?

Alright, so all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God, but what is sin. This is not a thread for debating whether we have sinned or not, for I take it as a matter of course that we have, but more for defining the term, and what is considered sin.

I've heard a definition, that I utilize primarily, and that is:
Sin is missing the mark. Specifically, missing the mark of God's perfect standard. All fail to be perfect, it is in fact an axiom of human existence, "Nobody's perfect" (save one, Christ).

Another definition, perhaps concurrent is "Rebellion against God." Implying acting against or counter to his stated will.

It is assumed that only man can sin, and that the sacrifice of Christ was to pay for man's sins. Assumptions may be challenged :)

Tags: definition, sin

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Permalink Reply by Brian Guiley on February 21, 2012 at 6:19pm

Alexander,

 

I guess it would come down to, where does sin reside.  Sin is not in the flesh, or you could become sinless by cutting off that flesh.  So the 'matter' that makes us up is not where sin resides.  Yes God made all matter and upholds the universe, but sin is not in the substance of the universe, but in the will of man.  That is what must be autonomous.  Our will is where we make our choices.  It is separate from the genes and substance of us, but it does require substance to an extent as a container.  Our will must be differentiated from God's.  Is our will 'greater' than God?  No.  It is 'like' unto God (for we are created in his image) but it is not greater.  By it being separate from him does it mean he is lesser, no, for he is its originator, and is himself without origin (eternal).

 

I understand you're reference, and I think it deals well with the substance of this universe, for He does hold it together, but we are more than matter, and that part of us that He created to be separate so as to give us 'free will', for it to truly be free, must be separate from Him, for we must be able to work our will in ways that He cannot (by his nature, not cannot by his power).

Permalink Reply by Brian Guiley on February 21, 2012 at 7:59pm

Glenn,

 

Sin is not an effect, but is in the will, as I've stated.  It is not in the actions, or their result, for results can be stemmed and actions prevented, but the sin is already committed in the heart (will).  Nor is sin in a lack of faith.  Faith is necessary for salvation, but not necessary for sin, either lack or greatness thereof.  Faith is in the qualities and reliability of God and is a will in and of itself, but those whose faith is small are not 'more sinful' than those whose faith is great.  Sin lies in the will choosing to rebel against the God.  It is personal and for it we are accountable.  It is not someone elses (Satans or our fathers or our circumstances) but our very own.

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