What the Bible Teaches about Sin…

Sin is a short three-letter word with a long history. It is a biblical concept worth understanding, as much of the Bible addresses its meaning and how we can overcome it. While popular culture often diminishes the significance of sin, God’s word speaks plainly about the pain it causes and the remedy He provides. Here are some important truths about sin that everyone should know:

• Sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12).
• We do not inherit Adam’s sin or anyone else’s; we are accountable for our own sins (Ezekiel 18:4, 18:20-21).
• Sin is lawlessness and wrongdoing (1 John 3:4, 5:17).
• Every person of accountable age has sinned (Romans 3:9-12, 3:23).
• The payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23).
• Anyone who dies in their sins will not enter heaven with Jesus (John 8:21, 8:24).
• Jesus came to earth to take away sin (Matthew 26:28; 1 John 3:5).
• When we repent and are baptized, our sins are forgiven and washed away (Acts 2:38, 22:16).
• If we claim to be without sin, we are sinning in our denial (Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 1:10).
• If we walk in the light of Jesus, His blood continually cleanses us, even though we are imperfect (1 John 1:7).
• If we confess our sins, God will forgive us (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9).
• Sin occurs when we give in to temptation, but we don’t have to give in (James 1:13-15).
• Sin keeps good from us (Jeremiah 5:25).
• Jesus offers a forgiveness previously unknown to the world (Acts 13:38-39).
• A lifestyle of sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2).
• God’s children are not slaves to sin (Romans 6:12-14).
• No one born of God continues in a lifestyle of sin (1 John 3:9).
• God delights in extending forgiveness and mercy (Exodus 34:6-7; Micah 7:18-19).
• When God forgives our sins, they are completely removed and forever forgotten (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 8:12).
• Jesus frees us from our sins by His blood (Revelation 1:5).

Sin is humanity’s greatest enemy, but in Jesus we enjoy the greatest victory (Romans 7:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:57)!