What is sin?

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Drawing on the sources, sin is fundamentally defined as the transgression of the law. This is explicitly stated in multiple sources. For instance, the Bible defines it as: "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law". This definition is reiterated by Ellen G. White: "The only definition of sin given in God's Word, is transgression of the law" {GCDB, March 2, 1897 par. 3}.

Further insights from the sources elaborate on this definition:

  • The Law Reveals Sin: The law serves to make sin known. As Paul inquired, "Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet". This indicates that "without the law we have no knowledge of what sin is". The law serves to "detect sin", "discover the defects in the moral character", and show "sin to be exceeding sinful, revealing it in all hideousness".
  • Scope of Sin: Sin is not limited to outward actions but extends to thoughts and words. "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment". Corrupt communication includes "any expression contrary to holy principles and pure and undefiled religion," including "impure hints and covert insinuations of evil" {AUCR, September 1, 1905 par. 3, COL 337.2}. Even "burning words of passion should never be spoken; for in the sight of God and holy angels they are as a species of swearing" {YI, September 20, 1894 par. 2}. God will not accept those who belittle His powers "by thought, or word, or action" {CE 109.2}.
  • Universality of Sin: The sources indicate that "all are condemned by the law". Even those who teach others should examine themselves: "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?".
  • Seriousness of Sin: Sin is exceedingly offensive to God. It caused the death of the Son of God. The "offensive character of sin can be estimated only in the light of the cross" {ST, January 6, 1881 par. 14}. God's hatred of sin is intense and overwhelming {RH, February 8, 1898 par. 8}.
  • Manifestations of Sin: The sources list various examples of sin, including lust, anger, covetousness, hatred, selfishness, dishonesty, lack of patriotism and honor (according to deists), murder, adultery, robbery, and crime (according to some), and the indulgence of appetite and passion to excess. Even "common sins, however insignificant they may be regarded, will impair your moral sense, and extinguish the inward impression of the Spirit of God" {FE 195.1}. Robbing God in tithes and offerings is also a specific sin mentioned earlier in our conversation history.
  • Consequences of Sin: The wages of sin is death (though this is not directly quoted in these excerpts, it's a foundational concept from earlier discussion). Sin "silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God" {GC 472.2}.
  • Salvation from Sin: Sinners are saved from their sins, not in them. Christ was manifested to take away our sins (though the specific quote "Christ was manifested to take away our sins" is from our earlier discussion, the concept is present in sources like {RH, March 27, 1888 par. 9}). Repentance toward God because of His law transgressed is necessary for salvation.
  • God's Standard: God demands obedience to all of His commandments. "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" {RH, August 1, 1893 par. 11, ST, March 7, 1878 par. 13}. God requires "perfect purity in word, in thought, and in action" {4T 312.1}.
  • No Excuse for Sin: Ignorance of the law is no excuse when light has been given. People are to be judged by the light they have received {RH, August 1, 1893 par. 10}.

In summary, the provided sources consistently define sin as the transgression of God's law, emphasizing that this law is the standard of righteousness and that any deviation from it, in thought, word, or deed, constitutes sin with serious consequences. Salvation is offered through Christ, requiring repentance and a turning away from the transgression of God's law.

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