Sin is more than disobeying or ignoring the Ten Commandments.  Sin is committing an act that is wrong OR not doing what is right.  You may be asking, “Isn’t that a lot of stuff?”

What is the bottom line?  Sin is any failure or refusal to do what’s morally perfect or just but not as we define morality and justice but as God defines it.  Since His standards are way higher than ours, the real depth of sin is unfathomable.

Most think the big picture of sin is 'do not forsake the Ten Commandments.' But realistically God gave his people more than 10 laws.  He gave them at least 600 and they were to follow them wholeheartedly.   Sin is not just doing what’s wrong.  Here are questions to ask that might help you to determine if something is sinful:

1.  Would God approve of this?
2.  Is it morally perfect and righteous?
3.  Does it go against my conscience?
4.  Would Jesus do it?
5.  Does it go against the teaching of the Bible? 

6. What is my motivation for doing this?

Sin is an offense against God. It’s a refusal to honor Him - especially as His image-bearers.  We were created in the image of God. 

Jeremiah 2:12-13
“'Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,' declares the Lord. 'My people have committed two sins. They have forsaken me, the spring of living water and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.'"

Essentially every one of our sins is two-fold.  We (1) reject the Lord and (2) pursue some lesser thing to satisfy us.  Because of sin, we will stand guilty before God and deserving of death for our crimes against Him.  That is why people go to hell, but if we have asked for forgiveness of our sins in Jesus Christ our Lord and choose to follow his ways, then we will be forgiven of our sin and will live forever in heaven! There is forgiveness of SIN in Jesus!

Click here to go back to the FAQ's...

If you would like more information about this question or other real issues in life, please let us know by contacting us by phone (504-982-1406), e-mail (jeff@jeffpowell.org), or writing us at P.O. Box 1357. New Orleans, LA 70185. We would be honored to help you in any way that we can!