Reflecting on Truth #16
Q: What is Sin?
A: Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, rebelling against him by living without reference to him, not being or doing what he requires in his law—resulting in our death and the disintegration of all creation.
Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4)
Why does this matter?
As Christians, it is important for us to be reminded time and again of the ugliness and devastating consequences of sin. God hates and does not tolerate sin. For this reason, we must look to the Scriptures in order for us to have a biblical understanding of what sin is and what it does to mankind and to the rest of creation.
According to the Scriptures, we are able to arrive at the catechism answer which defines what sin is. In short, sin is any form of rebellion against God, whether active rejection or passive ignorance. When we live without reference to him, or fail to be or do what God requires in his law, that is, his perfect standard of righteousness, we have sinned against him. All mankind is made in the image of God, and thus all of us know in our heart of hearts that God exists and that we ought to live according to his law-word.
However, we have all failed to live up to his standard of righteousness and rightfully deserve his wrath. When Adam and Eve fell into sin, all of creation was cursed alongside them. We can observe the consequences of sin in the world, including wars, famines, diseases, and natural disasters. Creation is now groaning and waiting for the return of Christ when all things are made new in him. Praise God that Jesus came to redeem sinners from their sin and to bring about restoration and renewal of creation in the new heavens and new earth.
What does this mean for us?
The apostle John reminds us in 1 John 3:4 that all who make a practice of sinning also practice lawlessness because sin is lawlessness. As brothers and sisters in Christ, God’s law has been written upon our hearts and we have the Holy Spirit who lives in us, to teach us according to his Word and to strengthen us to walk in obedience and faithfulness. If we have been born again and are now a new creation, we must not make a practice of sinning, but should seek to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy. This does not mean that we will not sin while we remain on earth. However, we have a faithful high priest in Jesus Christ, and when we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
By God’s grace, let us flee from sin and walk by the Spirit, that we may live faithful lives that are pleasing to our merciful God.