There have been many times in my life when I have struggled to understand the concept of sin. However the concept of sin is very important for all of us to understand because the way we choose to respond to sin has major implications upon not only our personal well-being as individuals, but also the well-being of our society, communities, our children, and the generations to come. Though there are many definitions of sin found in the bible, I have come to understand sin in general as a violation of Gods divine rule or law. Genesis chapter 1 verse 1 tells us “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:27 tells us “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.” God is therefore Sovereign over the entire universe as the Creator, which mean He has supreme independent authority over the entire universe and its inhabitants by creation rights. What helps me to understand the concept and consequences of sin is to look at sin within the context of countries or kingdoms, Governments, and systems of law.
Every country has laws that govern its citizens. The supreme law of the United States of America is called the U.S. Constitution. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States. The Supreme law of the kingdom of God is Holy Scripture - the Bible. It is reveals Gods written framework for the organization of the heavens and the earth and for the relationship between God and mankind. In the United States there are many laws and therefore many consequences for violating those laws.
In Gods kingdom there are many laws and many consequences for violating them. Those violations of Gods laws are called sins.
The greek word “hamartia” means:
a) to be without a share in
b) to miss the mark
c) to err, be mistaken
d) to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong
e) to wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin
2) that which is done wrong, sin, an offence, a violation of the divine law in thought or in act
3) collectively, the complex or aggregate of sins committed either by a single person or by many.#
This word “hamartia” is the same word used for sin found in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.” The word used for death there is the greek word “thanatos” which can be defined: “the misery of the soul arising from sin, which begins on earth but lasts and increases after the death of the body in hell.” The word for eternal used in Romans 23 is the greek word “aiōnios”, which can be defined: without end, never to cease, everlasting. Revelations 21:1-8 reveals “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Holy Scripture is revealing to us that all of us have life after physical death and that God has an amazing eternal life planned out for those of us who are found innocent in Christ Jesus! It also reveals that God is a just God and must punish those who die without receiving forgiveness for their sins! This applies to all of us!
Proverbs 24:9 says “the thought of foolishness is sin.” Have you ever thought foolishly? 1:John 3:4 says “transgression of law” or violation of law is sin. Have you ever violated the law? 1:John 5:17 says “all unrighteousness” is sin. Have you ever done wrong? James 4:17 says not doing what you know to be right is sin. Have you ever failed to do something that you knew was right to do?
Romans 14:23 says doubting and not believing is sin. Have you ever doubted God? The bad news is that we all have sinned. “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” - Romans 3:23. The good news is that if you are alive right now, this is your moment to receive forgiveness from your sins! Romans 10:9 says that “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”! Just remember, when the time comes for us to give account for our lives according to Romans 14:12, saying “Lord I didn’t know” will not save us. Ignorance of the law will be no excuse.