We live in a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong. But the Bible gives us a clear answer to one of life’s most important questions: What is sin? To understand salvation, grace, and God’s plan for our lives, we must first understand the nature and impact of Wrongdoing. This article explores the biblical definition of sin, its consequences, and how we can be set free.
What Is Sin? A Biblical Definition
It is anything that goes against the will, law, or character of God. It’s not just bad behavior – it’s rebellion against God’s holiness and design.
1 John 3:4 – “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.”
Evil acts breaks the perfect relationship between God and humanity. It’s the root of all suffering, death, and separation from God.
Types of Sin in the Bible
1. Original
The first one committed by Adam and Eve introduced a sinful nature into all humanity.
Romans 5:12 – “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin…”
2. Personal
These are individual choices to disobey God, through thought, word, or deed.
Examples: lying, pride, envy, lust, hatred, idolatry
3. Omission vs. Commission
- commission – Doing what is wrong
- omission – Not doing what is right
James 4:17 – “If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin.”
4. Mortal vs. Venial Sin (from traditional theology)
- Mortal: Leads to spiritual death unless repented
- Venial: Damages but doesn’t destroy relationship with God
Why Is Sin So Serious?
It separates us from a holy God. It leads to:
- Guilt and shame
- Spiritual blindness
- Eternal separation (hell)
- Broken relationships
- Destructive habits
Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death…”
Examples of Wrongdoing in Everyday Life
- Cheating, stealing, lying
- Lust, pornography, adultery
- Jealousy, hatred, bitterness
- Idolatry – placing anything above God (money, fame, self)
Sin isn’t just “doing something wrong.” It’s choosing our way over God’s way.
Can We Overcome Sin?
Yes – through Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us…”
Jesus died to pay the price for sin, offering forgiveness and a new life to all who believe.
How Do I Get Forgiven for Sin?
Confess – Acknowledge your sins before God
Repent – Turn away from wrongdoing and turn toward God
Believe – Trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection
Walk in Obedience – Follow God’s Word daily
Acts 3:19 – “Repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…”
Why Do Christians Still Sin?
Even after salvation, we struggle with our sinful nature. But the Holy Spirit helps us grow in holiness.
Romans 7:19 – “For I do not do the good I want to do…”
Grace doesn’t give permission to sin – it gives power to overcome it.
Disobedience to God Is Serious – But God’s Grace Is Greater
Wrongdoing is rebellion against God, but the story doesn’t end there. Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, transformed, and made new. Understanding sin helps us appreciate the depth of God’s mercy and the power of the cross.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
It is disobedience to God’s law — any thought, word, or action that goes against His will.
All of them separates us from God, but some sins have greater earthly and spiritual consequences (see Luke 12:47–48, John 19:11).
Yes. There is no sin too big for God to forgive — except the continued rejection of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32).
God calls us to repentance and growth. True believers may struggle but will not live in ongoing, unrepentant sin.
By surrendering daily to God, reading His Word, praying, and relying on the Holy Spirit.
