What is sin?

Because he murdered his brother in a property dispute, he was arrested and jailed. In the jail he refused non-vegetarian food, stating he was a religious person and did not eat meat. For him, eating meat was a sin, but not his anger, rage, and violent murder. Essentially, Sin is against God’s nature, His Law, and expectations.

Lawlessness All lawlessness is sin. (I John 3:4) When people think there is no God or inactive god, then they disregard the laws. Such a person behaves as if there is neither God nor His judgment. Not only individuals but even communities, societies, or nations could become lawless. When society approves Sati, the burning of a widow along with her dead husband is lawlessness. During the time of Judges, in Israel, each one did what they thought was right, disregarding the Law of Moses. (Judges 21:25)

All unrighteousness is sin (I John 5:17) Righteousness is doing what is always right in the sight of God. There is no situational ethics, where a person could behave according to the context. Unrighteousness is injustice. It is a desire to break out of God’s authority, will, standards, and his divine purpose.

Negligence Sin is to know, understand, and have the capacity to do good, but not do it wilfully. (James 4:17) In other words, lack of stewardship of God’s resources and opportunities.

Evil desire All manner of evil desire is sin. (Romans 7:8) Like gravity that pulls everything towards the earth, human nature is prone to sin. Hence, Paul writes to put to death the evil desires. (Colossians 3:5-6) A believer has to take up the cross and embrace daily death as a living sacrifice, thus putting to death evil desires. (Matthew 16:24-26; Romans 12:1)

Trespass Paul writes that believers are made alive, as they were dead in their trespasses. (Ephesians 2:1) It is straying beyond the boundaries or limits or going astray. When an athlete discards the track and runs in the next runner’s track, that is trespass.