Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1 John 3:4-6

Today’s scriptures can give us the Biblical answer to “What Is Sin”? This may sound like a basic question, but it’s a valid one, since it involves everyone. As scripture tells us “We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) So the reality is we are all sinners, therefore this question is relevant to everyone. 

This goes back to the fundamental reason for the gospel, we are all sinners and in need of a Savior. Many people will like to challenge this truth, as to what is sin? Well the Apostle John under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit clearly reveals “Sin is lawlessness or transgression of The Law” So now the next question will be “What is The Law”? 

Jesus made it clear in his interaction with the Rich Young Ruler, (Mark 10:17-27, Matthew 19:16-22) that The Law is in reference to The Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mt Sinai. When the rich young ruler asks Jesus “What must I do to inherit eternal life”? Jesus asks him if he kept The Law, or the Ten Commandments? 

The Law is like a mirror for us to reflect the state of our depravity. (James 1:23) If you go through The Ten Commandments, you can clearly see you have broken God’s moral Law and are guilty of the consequences. Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen something? Have you ever used The Lords name in vein? Have you looked at someone with lust? Have you ever hated anyone? All of these are violations to Gods Holy Law, the Ten Commandments. 

The bad news is we are all guilty of breaking God’s Law, also the consequences are “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) Now by this time you are probably feeling uneasy or maybe even angry about this revelation. And you should be, God takes our sin very seriously. But there is good news, that is what the word “gospel” means. And you can’t fully grasp the Good News until you understand the bad news!

When you finish the scripture Romans 6:23 “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Now you understand why Christ came here to Earth to die for our sins on the cross, to pay the penalty for our sins. As the Apostle John says “ He (Christ) was manifested to take away our sins”

Also the Apostle John says “Whoever abides in Him (Christ) does not sin”  Not only did Christ come to save us, but we are also Born Again and transformed by the Holy Spirit. We are justified and sanctified through Christ. Amen!