The Bible does not contain a definitive list of sins. However, through studying Scripture we can identify behaviors, attitudes, and actions that are described as sinful. While an exhaustive list is not provided, there are some key passages that give insight into God’s perspective on sin.
The Ten Commandments
One of the most well-known lists of sins in the Bible is the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. These commands given by God provide a moral framework and identify many specific sins:
- No other gods before me
- No idols
- Not misusing God’s name
- Keeping the Sabbath holy
- Honoring your father and mother
- No murder
- No adultery
- No stealing
- No false testimony
- No coveting
While not exhaustive, the Ten Commandments provide a concise list of key sins to avoid. They offer guiding principles for moral behavior and righteous living.
The Seven Deadly Sins
While not directly from Scripture, the seven deadly sins are a traditional list of vices that have been used for centuries to educate and instruct followers of Christ. The list includes:
- Pride
- Greed
- Lust
- Envy
- Gluttony
- Wrath
- Sloth
This list focuses more on inward attitudes and motivations that can lead to sinful actions. Studying these seven deadly sins can help us examine our own hearts and root out things that separate us from God.
Lists of Sins in the New Testament
In his letters, the apostle Paul provides various vice lists describing sinful behaviors to avoid. For example:
Galatians 5:19-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
These passages provide a description of sins that were of particular concern in the early church. They emphasize sexual sins, divisive attitudes, uncontrolled anger, and drunkenness as actions and mindsets to reject.
Characteristics of a Sinful Nature
The Bible describes the outworking of a sinful nature in several places. Understanding these tendencies can help us identify and turn from attitudes or behaviors that don’t align with God’s standards.
For example, Romans 1:29-31 describes a sinful nature like this:
“They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”
And Galatians 5:19-21 describes the “works of the flesh” this way:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.”
Studying these descriptions alongside other biblical principles allows us to evaluate our own hearts and identify areas not aligned with God’s standards of righteous living.
The Greatest Commands
When asked about the greatest commandment in the law, Jesus responded by identifying two core principles that encapsulate God’s standards (Matthew 22:37-40):
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Sin ultimately comes down to misplaced worship and love. Any idolatry or failure to love God completely results in sin. Any failure to love and serve our neighbor also violates God’s design for righteous living. Evaluating sin should always be connected back to these core relationship principles.
Behaviors that God Considers an Abomination
An “abomination” is something regarded with disgust or hatred. There are seven behaviors that God explicitly calls an abomination in Scripture:
- Haughty eyes – Proverbs 6:16-17
- A lying tongue – Proverbs 6:16-17
- Hands that shed innocent blood – Proverbs 6:16-17
- A heart that devises wicked plans – Proverbs 6:16-17
- Feet that are swift in running to evil – Proverbs 6:16-17
- A false witness who breathes out lies – Proverbs 6:16-17
- Sexual immorality – Proverbs 6:16-19
Additionally, the book of Deuteronomy contains a list of behaviors God considers detestable, strongly condemning things like idolatry, human sacrifice, occult practices, sexual sin, and dishonesty.
Common Themes across Biblical Lists of Sins
While the Bible contains no exhaustive list of sins, common themes emerge as we study these various passages:
- Idolatry and rejection of God
- Dishonesty and injustice
- Sexual immorality
- Greed and selfishness
- Uncontrolled anger
- Divisiveness and factionalism
- Drunkenness and lack of self-control
The heart motives and mindsets that produce these sinful behaviors are just as important as the outward actions themselves. Sin originates in the heart’s desires and tendencies apart from God’s direction and standards.
Why Does the Bible Not Contain a Definitive List of Sins?
Rather than provide an exhaustive list of sinful behaviors, the Bible focuses more on instructing, guiding, and describing faithful Christian living. There are several reasons an explicit list is not provided:
- Legalistic checklists can neglect the heart behind the action. Obeying a set of rules does not necessarily produce love for God and others.
- Any list would be incomplete. Enumerating every possible sinful behavior is not feasible.
- Situations and cultural contexts change. Principles for life and relationships are more timeless than legal codes.
- The emphasis is on righteousness by Christ. Rules alone cannot justify, only the work of Jesus on our behalf.
Rather than following strict religious regulations, believers are called to be transformed in their motivations and desires. Sin is ultimately a heart condition remedied through rebirth in Jesus Christ.
Evaluating Sin Biblically
When faced with choices or questions of right and wrong, we can evaluate actions biblically by asking:
- Is this action violating one of God’s commands?
- Does this align with godly virtues described in Scripture?
- Does this exhibit love for God and others?
- Will this promote righteousness and unity?
- Does this glorify God?
The Bible aims to shape desires for God’s glory rather than just provide behavioral checklists. As believers walk in the Spirit, biblical truth begins to shape motivations and actions from the inside out.
Freedom from Sin through Christ
While Scripture helps us evaluate sinful tendencies, the solution is found in Jesus. As Romans 3:23 tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But Romans 6:23 offers wonderful news: “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.”
Through confessing sin and trusting in Christ’s atoning work on the cross, believers are set free from sin’s control and condemnation. We are enabled by the Spirit to overcome patterns of wrongdoing and reflect God’s love to those around us.
Rather than checking off a list, followers of Jesus are called to pursue dynamic relationship with Him. As we abide in Christ, read Scripture, and walk by the Spirit, our lives will be marked by the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).