Define Sin

Sin is anything that offends God. Sins against our neighbor offend God as do sins directly against God.

Humanity’s fallen sinful nature (Romans 3:23) results in death (Romans 5:12) and our separation from God (Romans 6:23)— we are robbed of the privilege to know God personally and experience His love and perfect good plan for our lives.

Originally, we were created to be in a relationship with God, our Creator. Our selfish desire for self-will (often stemming from pride) and choice for independence created a rift in our relationship with God. Choosing to be independent of God and disobeying God are attitudes derived from sin.

As Romans 6:6 indicates, sin takes the form of enslavement. Only when we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior are we no longer enslaved by our sins (John 8:34), but are free from sin (Romans 6:22), for Christ died to sin (Romans 6:7). Romans 6:14 states: For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. We have victory through Christ (1 Cor 15:56–57).

Bible verses on sin, human condition, and temptation:

Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21

Genesis 4:7; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:22

Matthew 12:31; Matthew 4:1–11

1 John 1:7,9; 1 John 3:6

Leviticus 15:31