What is a Sinner?
The Bible has a lot to say about sin and sinners. At the most basic level, a sinner is someone who violates God’s laws and commandments. The Bible makes it clear that all people are sinners (Romans 3:23) and fall short of God’s perfect standard. Here is an overview of some key biblical truths about sin and what it means to be a sinner.
The Origin of Sin
Sin entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Their decision to eat the forbidden fruit was an act of rebellion against God’s command. This first sin corrupted not only Adam and Eve, but also all of creation, bringing physical and spiritual death into the world (Romans 5:12). Every human being since has inherited a sinful nature from Adam and is naturally inclined to sin (Psalm 51:5).
The Definition and Universality of Sin
The Bible defines sin as lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Whenever we disobey God’s commands, we are sinning. Sin can be not only outward actions but also inward attitudes and motives that fall short of God’s perfect standard (Matthew 5:28). The Bible makes it clear that all people are sinners and no one is righteous on their own (Romans 3:10). We all sin in thought, word, and deed. Sin is universal to the human condition.
The Consequences of Sin
Sin disrupts our relationship with God. Isaiah 59:2 says, “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” Sin keeps us from knowing and experiencing God’s love and blessings. Unrepentant sin leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). Sin also brings God’s judgment and wrath (Romans 1:18). Sin destroys our relationships with others and leads to strife and conflict. It promises pleasure but ultimately brings harm and sorrow. The devastating effects of sin can be seen throughout human history.
The Severity of Sin
While all sins are offensive to God, the Bible indicates that some sins are more grievous than others in God’s eyes. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is called an unforgivable, eternal sin (Mark 3:29). The sin of unbelief also leads to eternal condemnation (John 3:18). The 10 Commandments reveal sins that are extremely offensive to God’s holiness. Revelation 21:8 lists some sins that incur harsh judgment. Even secretly harboring sinful thoughts can have serious consequences (Matthew 5:28). The Bible is clear that all sin, no matter how “minor,” causes separation from God and leads to death if not repented of.
Repentance of Sin
An essential part of the gospel message is to repent of sin. Repentance means turning away from and forsaking sin (Ezekiel 18:21). It involves godly sorrow over the offense sin is to God (2 Corinthians 7:10). True repentance will result in a dramatic change of mind regarding sin as we align our thoughts with God’s truth. It also leads to a change in behavior as we actively put off sin and pursue righteousness with the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:12-14).
Forgiveness of Sin
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8). When we place our faith in Him, trusting in His sacrifice alone to save us, we receive forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Christ’s blood redeems us from every lawless deed (Titus 2:14). God remembers our sins no more (Hebrews 8:12). By grace we have been saved from the consequences of our sin through faith alone in Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The Persistence of Sin in the Christian Life
Though Christians have been forgiven and freed from slavery to sin, we still continue to struggle with sin while on this earth (Romans 7:15). Our sinful flesh wars against the Spirit even after conversion (Galatians 5:17). Christians are called to fight against sin and pursue ongoing sanctification, growing in righteousness and holiness (Hebrews 12:14). But because of the remnants of indwelling sin, even the most mature Christian will sometimes stumble (1 John 1:8). When we do, we can come to Christ again, repent, and receive more grace and mercy to continue the battle against sin.
Victory over Sin in Christ
Though difficult, the battle against sin is not a hopeless one for Christians. We can have victory over sin because Christ lives in us, and His power is greater than all (1 John 4:4). God promises to complete the work He began in us (Philippians 1:6). As we walk by the Spirit, actively put sin to death, renew our minds in truth, and obey Christ’s commands, sin will lose its power over time (Romans 6:14). One day when Christ returns, Christians will be freed from the presence of sin entirely (Revelation 21:27). Sin’s grasp on us will be broken forever!
Examining Ourselves
Because of the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13), it is important that Christians regularly examine their hearts and lives for unconfessed sin (2 Corinthians 13:5). Even sins we justify or are blind to can hinder our relationship with God. Asking God to search our hearts and reveal our hidden faults is essential (Psalm 139:23-24). As the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, we must respond in repentance and faith.
Hating Sin, Loving Righteousness
The Bible commands us to hate evil and love righteousness (Psalm 97:10, Hebrews 1:9). Rather than enjoying sin, we should be disgusted by it. As God’s beloved children, we are called to “abhor what is evil” and “cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Our attitude toward sin should mirror God’s–one of grief, hatred, and revulsion. We must turn from sinful pleasures and diligently guard our hearts against sin’s deception (Proverbs 4:23).
Warnings Against Continuing in Sin
Though Christians will always struggle with sin to some degree, the Bible strongly warns against using grace as a license to sin (Jude 1:4). Unrepentant, willful continuation in sin is dangerous for several reasons: 1) it is evidence of an unbelieving heart (1 John 3:6), 2) it brings God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:5-7), 3) it leads to bondage to sin and spiritual ruin (2 Peter 2:20-22), 4) it defiles others (Galatians 5:9), and 5) it provokes the Lord to anger (Psalm 78:40-41). God calls us to pursue holiness, not compromise.
Call to Holiness and Righteousness
While the Bible is clear about the universal problem of sin, it also presents the solution–Jesus Christ! Through faith in Christ, God declares us righteous, forgives our trespasses, and empowers us to live holy lives that please Him (Romans 8:1-4). By studying God’s Word, depending on the Spirit, obeying God’s commands, and loving others, Christians can overcome patterns of sin and reflect Christ’s character more and more (2 Peter 1:3-9). Our new life in Christ should be marked by a hatred of sin and a passion for righteousness.
The Bible clearly explains the origin, definition, consequences, and solution to sin. Understanding the tragic devastation sin has caused in the world and in our lives should motivate us to hate it as God does. Confessing our sins, turning from them, and trusting Christ’s redemption are the keys to overcoming sin’s power. Seeing sin accurately and repenting of it joyfully allow us to walk in freedom and righteousness as God intends for His beloved children. While sin lingers, defeating it more each day is possible as we rely on Christ’s strength and forgiveness.
The above overview covers the key points related to understanding what the Bible teaches about sinners and sin. Here are some additional details and verses to provide more thorough explanations of each point:
The Origin of Sin
– Adam and Eve’s disobedience in Eden was the first sin, violating God’s command not to eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:17, 3:6)
– Their choice to distrust and disobey God corrupted human nature; since then all are born with a sinful nature (Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:3)
– Sin entered the world through Adam and then spread to all people, bringing death (Romans 5:12)
– Creation was cursed and corrupted due to Adam’s sin, and now groans under the weight and consequences of sin (Genesis 3:14-19; Romans 8:20-22)
The Definition and Universality of Sin
– Sin is defined as “lawlessness” or rebellion against God’s commands (1 John 3:4)
– Sin can be outward actions, secretly held attitudes or thoughts, or neglecting to do good (Matthew 5:28, James 4:17)
– All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23)
– No one is righteous before God; all are under sin’s power and deception (Romans 3:9-12)
– Sin impacts every part of us–our mind, will, emotions, flesh (Romans 1:18-32, 7:14, 8:7, Ephesians 4:17-19)
– We cannot escape sin in this life; even Christians still struggle with sin (1 Kings 8:46, Romans 7:14-25, James 3:2)
The Consequences of Sin
– Sin earns wages of death–spiritual separation from God now and eternal death (Romans 6:23)
– Sin provokes God’s righteous anger and judgment (Psalm 7:11, John 3:36)
– Sin brings slavery, addiction, and darkness into our lives (John 8:34, Romans 6:16, Ephesians 4:18-19)
– No sinner can stand before God’s blazing holiness (Nahum 1:5-6)
– Sin poisons every dimension of human life–relationships, work, creativity (Genesis 4:8, Romans 1:28-32)
– Sinful human nature is corrupted and under sin’s control apart from Christ (Romans 5:6, 1 Corinthians 2:14)
The Severity of Sin
– Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is called eternal, unforgivable sin (Mark 3:29)
– Unbelief and rejection of Christ leads to eternal condemnation (John 3:18)
– Sins of sexual immorality are extremely grievous, violating holy boundaries (Leviticus 18, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
– Secretly harboring anger, lust, envy, greed defiles the heart utterly (Matthew 5:28, Mark 7:21-23)
– Idolatry exchanges worship of God for created things (Romans 1:23)
– Complacency about sin indicates spiritual sickness (Revelation 3:17)
Repentance of Sin
– Genuine repentance involves godly sorrow and hatred of the sin (2 Corinthians 7:10)
– True repentance turns from sin to serve God in obedience and righteousness (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
– Repentance means humbly confessing and taking responsibility for one’s sin (Proverbs 28:13)
– Failure to repent leads to judgment; repentance leads to revival (Revelation 2:5, 2 Chronicles 7:14)
Forgiveness of Sin
– Christ’s death provides atonement for sin; His blood purifies us (Romans 5:9, Hebrews 9:14)
– God removes our transgressions from us when we repent (Psalm 103:12, Micah 7:19)
– We receive forgiveness by God’s grace when we believe in Christ (Ephesians 1:7)
– Forgiveness is contingent on forgiving others as God does (Matthew 6:14-15)
The Persistence of Sin in the Christian Life
– Christians still struggle with indwelling sin due to the flesh (Romans 7:21-25, Galatians 5:17)
– Pride, selfishness, lust, greed still tempt believers and require ongoing repentance (James 1:14-15)
– Maturing in Christlikeness is a lifelong process needing perseverance (Philippians 3:12-14)
– Deceitful sin can blind believers and lead to stumbling (Hebrews 3:13, 1 John 1:8)
Victory over Sin in Christ
– The Holy Spirit empowers believers to put sin to death and live righteously (Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:16)
– God’s Word is a weapon against sin as we renew our minds in its truth (Psalm 119:11, Romans 12:2)
– We overcome sinful habits by depending on Christ’s resurrection power within us (Philippians 4:13, 1 John 4:4)
– As we walk in intimacy with Christ, sin loses its grip over our lives (John 15:5, Romans 6:14)
Examining Ourselves
– We must examine ourselves for unconfessed sin that grieves the Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:5)
– Asking God to search our hearts is crucial to reveal hidden sins (Psalm 139:23-24)
– Listening to correction with humility protects against deceitful sin (Psalm 141:5)
– Taking sin seriously and judging ourselves righteously keeps us repentant (1 Corinthians 11:31)
Hating Sin, Loving Righteousness
– We must grieve and hate sin as God does rather than take pleasure in it (Ezekiel 9:4, Zechariah 8:17)
– Cling to what is good; abhor evil–this honors the Lord (Romans 12:9)
– Pray for grace to despise sin’s fleeting pleasures and desire God’s ways (Psalm 119:104)
– Guard your heart diligently since sin easily entangles (Proverbs 4:23, Hebrews 12:1)
Warnings Against Continuing in Sin
– Misusing grace as a license for immorality shows an unregenerate heart (Jude 1:4)
– God disciplines His children who remain in unrepentant sin (Hebrews 12:5-7)
– Deliberate, ongoing sin leads to bondage and spiritual darkness (2 Peter 2:20-22)
– Sin’s deceitfulness hardens the heart if we tolerate it (Hebrews 3:13)
– Continual sin grieves and quenches the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)
Call to Holiness and Righteousness
– We are called to live holy lives that please God and avoid sin (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:14-16)
– By God’s power and promises, we can escape sin’s corruption (2 Peter 1:3-4)
– The fruit of righteousness comes from life in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
– Loving God and others summarizes holiness (Matthew 22:37-40, Romans 13:8-10)
– We must pursue ongoing growth in righteousness until Christ returns (2 Corinthians 7:1, Philippians 1:6)
The Bible offers both warnings against the devastating dangers of sin as well as hope and means for overcoming it. Believers must guard against sin’s deceit, repent quickly of sins committed, and rely on the Spirit’s power to resist temptation. We can have victory over sin’s grip as we abide in Christ and walk in righteousness by the grace He supplies. One day sin will be abolished forever when Christ returns. Until then, we must keep fighting against sin, pursuing holiness, and proclaiming the gospel of forgiveness and new life in Jesus.
