What is Sin?

Sin is literally to “miss the mark” that God has set for us, which is perfection. The reality is that sin is in the very nature of man and cannot be changed by good deeds or attitude. The statement that sin is a failure to let God be God is not true completely, in the essence of the definition of sin. Sin is the breaking of God’s law and the very reason Jesus went to the cross. The relationship between man and God is severed because of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden. We are hopeless and separated from Christ. When a person sees their sin in light of the cross, they will realize why they need to be saved by Christ.

Many people today do not like to think of themselves as bad or sinful. Postmodern relativism is running rampant in today’s culture. Truth is based upon feelings, opinions and comparison. I have dealt with many students that have a hard time grasping the depth of sin and the need for salvation. Many compare themselves to each other and base their spiritual lives upon man’s standards. The truth is to always measure our lives to God and His word. The Bible is clear that we are to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have” (1 Peter 3:15), but at times we do not finish the verse, “but do this with gentleness and reverence.” It is our job to explain the gospel, need for salvation because of our sin and let the Holy Spirit draw them under conviction. When this happens, God’s grace becomes real and lives are changed. It will continue to get harder to share the truth of sin with this generation, but the focus must always stay on the finished work of Jesus on the cross! The only way to be in right standing with God is through a relationship with Jesus Christ!