Sin - definition, figures, examples, ambiguity is prominent sda literature

 Sin

compiled by 

Winelfred G. Pasamba

April 2, 2026

Table of Contents

1. Definition
1. only definition
2. true definition
2. figures
1. romans 7
2. psalm 51
3. examples
1. not of faith
2. actions
3. thoughts
4. ambiguity in prominent sda literature
1. "Seventh-day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines"
2. "Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology"
3. "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary"
5. problems of ambiguity
1. escaping responsibility
2. confusion
3. cannot stand sound doctrine
4. cannot overcome metaphors & personifications
6. related ideas
1. wickedness was found in him

1. Definition

1. 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.

1. 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 )

1. figures
1. romans 7
2. psalm 51
2. examples
1. not of faith
2. actions
3. thoughts
3. ambiguity in prominent sda literature
1. "Seventh-day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines"
2. "Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology"
3. "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary"
4. problems of ambiguity
1. escaping responsibility
2. confusion
3. cannot stand sound doctrine
4. 
   
5. related ideas
1. wickedness was found in him