Sin - definition, figures of speech, examples, ambiguities, problems, solution, test

Sin

definition, figures, examples, ambiguities, problems with ambiguities, root cause, solution, test

compiled by Winelfred G. Pasamba April 2, 2026

Sin

1. definition
1. "sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4)
   not "sin is a" (not just an example/instance/case)
   not "sin is also a" (not one of many)
2. "only definition of sin is that given in the Word of God; it is “the transgression of the law;”" {GC88 492.2} [1 of 21+ refs] (1 John 3:4)
3. "the true definition of sin; it is “the transgression of the law.”" {FW 117.2} [1 of 6 refs] (1 John 3:4)
2. figures
1. personification/prosopopoeia, metaphor/allegory
1. "Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me." (Romans 7:17)
2. poetic hyperbole
1. "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5)
3. hyperbole
1. "speaking lies" (as soon as they are born) (Psalm 58:3)
4. archery metaphor: "missing the mark"
1. Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
2. Judges 20:16: Describes warriors who could sling a stone at a hair and not "miss" (chata), the Hebrew equivalent of this archery term.
5. financial metaphor: "debt"
1. Matthew 6:12: "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors".
2. Colossians 2:14: Refers to Jesus canceling the "record of debt" that stood against us.
6. physical metaphor: "heavy burden"
1. Psalm 38:4: "For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me".
2. Isaiah 1:4: Describes a "sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity".
7. legal/social metaphor: "slavery"
1. John 8:34: "Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin".
2. Romans 6:12: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body".
8. visual metaphor: "stain or filth"
1. Isaiah 1:18: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow".
2. Psalm 51:2: "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin".
9. biological metaphor: "birth/motherhood"
1. James 1:15: "Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death".
10. medical metaphor: "sickness/disease"
1. Isaiah 1:5-6: Describes the spiritual state of Israel as a body covered in "bruises and sores and raw wounds".
2. Matthew 9:12: Jesus refers to the "sick" needing a physician, specifically in the context of calling sinners.
11. metonymy
1. "[Jesus] made to be sin for us" (2 Cor 5:21)
12. metaphor
1. "wash me... cleanse me" (Psalm 51:2)
13. simile
1. "a heavy burden" (Psalm 38:4)
14. metaphor
1. "dead in trespasses" (Eph 2:1)
3. examples
1. not of faith 
1. Mark 11:22 "Have faith in God."
2. 1 Cor 16:13 "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."
3. Rom 14:23 "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
4. Eph 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
5. Heb 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
2. actions 
1. "thou shalt not" (Exodus 20
3. thoughts
1. "covet" (Exodus 20:17)
2. "God shall judge the secrets of men" (Rom 2:16)
4. words 
1. "false witness" (Exodus 20:26) 
2. "own words" on Sabbath (Isaiah 58:13)
3. "every idle word" (Matthew 12:36)
5. omission 
1. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17
4. ambiguities in prominent SDA literature
   confusing definition with examples, results, and figures of speech
   all have different set of definitions
   
   
1. "Seventh-day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines"
1. a. The definition of sin. Biblical definitions of sin include: "the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4, KJV), a failure to act by anyone "who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it" (James 4:17, NIV), and "whatever is not from faith" (Rom. 14:23). One broad inclusive definition of sin is: "Any deviation from the known will of God, either of neglect to do what He has specifically commanded or of doing what He has specifically forbidden." [page 89 chapter "Nature of Man"]
1. "definitions ... include" (plural) vs "only definition" (singular) of EGW
2. "failure to act" omission is not under transgression branch, as if it is not transgression. it should be under transgression because there is a command and not doing the command is transgression. 
1. "for where no law is, there is no transgression." Romans 4:15
3. "whatever is not of faith is sin" is classified not under transgression but as an equal level branch of transgression. as if it is not transgression.
1. but the command/requirement to have faith are in the following verses:
1. Mark 11:22 "Have faith in God."
2. 1 Cor 16:13 "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."
3. Eph 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
4. Heb 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
2. "Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology"
1. mixture of definition, essence, results/effects
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary"
1. original sin cited from "tradition"
   
2. "do not stress" clarification
   
   
3. sin is state? or the state is result of sin?
   

   
4. original sin?
   

   

   
   

   
   
   
4. "Five Biblical Definitions of Sin" vs EGW's "only definition of sin"
   https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/of-the-nature-and-definitions-of-sin/
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. problems of ambiguities
1. escaping/denying responsibility?
1. understanding Romans 7 sin as literal instead of figurative
2. confusion
3. "will not endure sound doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:3)
1. Jesus cannot remove sin?
2. high priest had sin entering the most holy place?
3. after close of probation, there is still forgiving of sin & intercession?
4. cannot overcome metaphors & personifications?
5. unbelief in Jesus' instruction to "be ye therefore perfect" (Matthew 5:48)?
6. unbelief in obedience as condition for salvation, "if ye want life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:17), Jesus himself in answer to the question, "what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16)?
7. close of probation (Revelation 22:11) is not closed?
8. foolish virgins will hope/try to be perfect after close of probation?
9. remnant do not keep all commandments?
10. failing one commandment is not failing all (James 2:10)?
11. how much sin is acceptable to God?
12. w/c sins are acceptable to God?
13. Jesus literally is sin ("was made to be sin for us"?
6. root cause
1. don't know who to believe
1. "believe ye His prophets" (2 Chr 20:20)
2. [4SP 415.1] With the many warnings against false teachers, why are the people so ready to commit the keeping of their souls to the clergy? There are today thousands of professors of religion who can give no other reason for points of faith which they hold than that they were so instructed by their religious leaders. They pass by the Saviour's teachings almost unnoticed, and place implicit confidence in the words of the ministers. But are ministers infallible? How can we trust our souls to their guidance unless we know from God's word that they are light-bearers? A lack of moral courage to step aside from the beaten track of the world, leads many to follow in the steps of learned men; and by their reluctance to investigate for themselves, they are becoming hopelessly fastened in the chains of error. They see that the truth for this time is plainly brought to view in the Bible, and they feel the power of the Holy Spirit attending its proclamation; yet they allow the opposition of the clergy to turn them from the light. Though reason and conscience are convinced, these deluded souls dare not think differently from the minister; and their individual judgment, their eternal interests, are sacrificed to the unbelief, the pride and prejudice, of another. 416 {4SP 415.1}
3. There is a large class by whom the Word of God is looked upon with distrust for the same reason as was its Author—because it reproves and condemns sin. Those who are unwilling to obey its requirements endeavor to overthrow its authority. They read the Bible, or listen to its teachings as presented from the sacred desk, merely to find fault with the Scriptures or with the sermon. Not a few become infidels in order to justify or excuse themselves in neglect of duty. Others adopt skeptical principles from pride and indolence. Too ease-loving to distinguish themselves by accomplishing anything worthy of honor, which requires effort and self-denial, they aim to secure a reputation for superior wisdom by criticising the Bible. There is much which the finite mind, unenlightened by divine wisdom, is powerless to comprehend; and thus they find occasion to criticise. There are many who seem to feel that it is a virtue to stand on the side of unbelief, skepticism, and infidelity. But underneath an appearance of candor, it will be found that such persons are actuated by self-confidence and pride. Many delight in finding something in the Scriptures to puzzle the minds of others. Some at first criticise and reason on the wrong side, from a mere love of controversy. They do not realize that they are thus entangling themselves in the snare of the fowler. But having openly expressed unbelief, they feel that they must maintain their position. Thus they unite with the ungodly, and close to themselves the gates of Paradise. {GC88 526.1}
4. [4SP 346.1] Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible, are continually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet their consciences. The less spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with which they are received. These persons degrade the intellectual powers to serve their carnal desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search the word of God with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance, they have no shield from delusion. Satan is ready to supply the heart's desire, and he palms off his deceptions in the place of truth. It was thus that the papacy gained its power over the minds of men; and by rejection of the truth because it involves a cross, Protestants are following the same path. All who neglect the word of God to study convenience and policy, that they may not be at variance with the world, will be left to receive damnable heresy for religious truth. The apostle Paul speaks of a class who received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." He says of these, "For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who 347 believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." ［2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.］ With such a warning before us, it behooves us to be on our guard as to what doctrines we receive. {4SP 346.1}
5. [RH, May 28, 1901 par. 5] Many among those who were listening to Christ were not seeking for evidence of the truth of His teaching. Of this they had had altogether too much. What they desired was not evidence, but an excuse to evade truths of eternal importance, which had for their foundation a "Thus saith the Lord." They did not wish to obey; for obedience involved a cross. So today many refuse to put their will on the side of God's will. They refuse to conform their lives to the great standard of righteousness. They have educated and trained their God-given intellect to make of none effect the law of Jehovah, treating it as a code of moral embarrassment, a yoke of bondage. In the lives of transgressors they see the result of disobedience, yet they will not yield. They are not willing to reason from cause to effect, because Satan has blinded their minds by his sophistry, clothing the truth with a shadow of darkness. Paul's words to the Galatians, "Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?" come sounding down along the line to our time. {RH, May 28, 1901 par. 5}
7. perfect till
1. 'perfect till wickedness/iniquity was found in him' (Ezekiel 28:15)
8. solution
1. "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
2. obey to understand
1. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine" (John 7:17)
3. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
9. test
1. "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." (1 John 2:3)
2. "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Revelation 14:12)
3. "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 12:17)
4. "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (1 Peter 1:19)
5. "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:27)
6. "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (2 Peter 3:14)
7. "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." (Revelation 22:11)
8. "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." (Revelation 14:5)

only definition

1. 1 The Great Controversy (1888 ed.), p. 492.2 (Ellen Gould White)

   … . Our only definition of sin is that given in the Word of God; it is “the transgression of the law;” it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of …

   2 The Great Controversy, p. 492.2 (Ellen Gould White)

   … . Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is “the transgression of the law;” it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of …

   3 The Impending Conflict, p. 2.7 (Ellen Gould White)

   … . Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is “the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4); it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great …

   4 The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 316.2 (Ellen Gould White)

   … . Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is “the transgression of the law.”

   5 Homeward Bound, p. 334.3 (Ellen Gould White)

   … . Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is “the transgression of the law;” it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of …

   6 Our High Calling, p. 141.3 (Ellen Gould White)

   … ? The only definition of sin in the Word of God is given us in 1 John 3:4. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” The sinner must be made to feel that he is a transgressor …

   7 That I May Know Him, p. 15.2 (Ellen Gould White)

   … . Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is “the transgression of the law;” ( 1 John 3:4 ) it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great …

   8 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886), Ms 80, 1886, par. 21

   … . The only definition of sin given in the Bible is, Sin is the transgression of the law. But you must repent toward God. And why? Because you have broken His law. And …

   9 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888), Ms 8, 1888, par. 32

   … ? The only definition of sin is that it is the transgression of the law. Then here is Jesus Christ, who comes right in and imparts His righteousness to us; we cannot …

   10 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890), Ms 53, 1890, par. 51

   … ? The only definition of sin in the Word of God is given us in ( 1 John 3:4 ): “Sin is the transgression of the law.” The sinner must be made to feel that he is a transgressor …

   11 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893), Lt 33, 1893, par. 12

   … . The only definition of sin is “transgression of the law.” [ 1 John 3:4 .] Therefore, if the law is dead, Satan has had his way, hell has triumphed, and sin, the transgression …

   12 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894), Lt 34, 1894, par. 42

   … the only definition of sin that is given in the Guide Book is that “sin is the transgression of the law.” [ 1 John 3:4 .] Many with mental capabilities who profess to …

   13 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894), Ms 10, 1894, par. 4

   … the only definition of sin in the whole Bible. We are going to read it to you right out of the Book, so that you need not have the idea that it is not in the Bible, that …

   14 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894), Ms 20, 1894, par. 23

   … the only definition of sin in the Bible. We do not want to be found sinners.

   15 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897), Ms 3, 1897, par. 42

   The only definition of sin given in God’s Word is transgression of the law. It is not excusable, and has no defence or justification. It will be the final and …

   16 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899), Ms 27, 1899, par. 1

   … the only definition of sin. Without the law there can be no transgression. “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” [ Romans 3:20 .] The standard of righteousness is exceeding …

   17 Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904), Ms 153, 1904, par. 1

   1 John 3:1-4. This is the only definition of sin in the Scriptures, the transgression of the law.

   18 Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770], p. 249.1 (Ellen Gould White)

   … . The only definition of sin given in the Bible is: “Sin is the transgression of the law” ( 1 John 3:4 ). But you must repent toward God. And why? Because you have broken …

   19 Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, p. 228.2 (Ellen Gould White)

   … the only definition of sin in the whole Bible. We are going to read it to you right out of the Book, so that you need not have the idea that it is not in the Bible, that …

   20 The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 128.3 (Ellen Gould White)

   … ? The only definition of sin is that it is the transgression of the law. Then here is Jesus Christ, who comes right in and imparts His righteousness to us; we cannot …

   21 The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 780.2 (Ellen Gould White)

   … ? The only definition of sin in the Word of God is given us in 1 John 3:4 : “Sin is the transgression of the law.” The sinner must be made to feel that he is a transgressor …

   22 The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters, p. 167.5 (Ellen Gould White)

   The only definition of sin given in God’s Word is transgression of the law. It is not excusable, and has no defence or justification. It will be the final and …

   23 General Conference Daily Bulletin March 2, 1897, paragraph 32

   “The only definition of sin given in God’s Word, is transgression of the law. It is not excusable, and has no defense or justification. It will be the final and …

   24 The Review and Herald July 15, 1890, paragraph 2

   … the only definition of sin given in the Holy Scriptures, and we should seek to understand what sin is, lest any of us be found in opposition to the God of heaven …

2. 28 EGW SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 951.3 (Ellen Gould White)

   … -16 ). Only Definition of Sin —“Sin is the transgression of the law.” This is the only definition of sin. Without the law there can be no transgression. “By the law is …

   29 General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 1 March 2, 1897, page 198 paragraph 4

   “The only definition of sin given in God’s Word, is transgression of the law. It is not excusable, and has no defense or justification. It will be the final and …

   30 General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 1 March 8, 1897, page 313 paragraph 8

   … . The only definition of sin that we have in the Bible is that it is the transgression of the law.

true definition

1. 1 Confrontation, p. 75.2 (Ellen Gould White)

   … the true definition of sin. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” The largest class of Christ’s professed ambassadors are blind guides. They lead the people …

   2 Faith and Works, p. 117.2 (Ellen Gould White)

   … the true definition of sin; it is “the transgression of the law.” How often the sinner is urged to leave his sins, and come to Jesus; but has the messenger who would …

   3 Redemption; or the Temptation of Christ in The Wilderness, p. 76.3 (Ellen Gould White)

   … the true definition of sin. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” The largest class of Christ’s professed ambassadors are blind guides. They lead the people …

   4 The Review and Herald March 4, 1875, paragraph 13

   … the true definition of sin. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” The largest class of Christ’s professed ambassadors are blind guides. They lead the people …

   5 The Signs of the Times June 20, 1895, paragraph 5

   … the true definition of sin; it is “the transgression of the law.” How often the sinner is urged to leave his sins, and come to Jesus; but has the messenger who would …

   6 Faith and Works -- Study Guide, p. 36.2 (Ellen G. White Estate)

   268. What is “the true definition of sin?” ( 117 )

figures of speech vs literal/formal definition