Sin is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible. While the basic origin of sin is unclear, we know that it came into the world when the serpent, Satan, tempted Adam and Eve and they disobeyed God (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). The essence of the problem stemmed from the human desire to be like God. All sin, therefore, has its roots in idolatry—the attempt to put something or someone in the place of the Creator. Most often, that someone is one's own self. While God allows sin, he is not the author of sin. All sins are an offense to God and they separate us from him (Isaiah 59:2).

 

In our culture sin has become entangled in legalistic arguments over right and wrong. When we consider "What is sin?" we think of violations of the Ten Commandments, and we tend to think of murder and adultery as "major" sins when compared with lying, cursing, or idolatry.

The truth of the matter is that sin, as defined in the original translations of the Bible, means "to miss the mark." The mark, in this case, is the standard of perfection established by God and evidenced by Jesus. Viewed in that light, it is clear that we are all sinners. Apostle Paul says in Romans 3:23: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

 

Sin is referenced as the breaking of God's law.  If God says "Do not lie" and you lie, then you have broken His law and sinned.  When you sin, you offend God because it is His law that you have broken.  Also, the reason God says to not lie, not cheat, etc., is because these laws reflect the moral purity of His nature.  The Law is a reflection of the character of God.  It is wrong to lie because God cannot lie.  It is wrong to steal because God cannot steal, etc.  The moral law is not arbitrary.  It is based on God's holiness.

 

The Bible seems to indicate that there are degrees to sin—that some are more detestable to God than others (Deuteronomy 25:16; Proverbs 6:16-19). However, when it comes to the eternal consequences of sin, they are all the same. Every sin, every act of rebellion, leads to condemnation and eternal death (Romans 6:23).

 

So, replying to the question "What is sin?" is best answered by saying that it is breaking God's law.  All people have sinned.  Therefore, all people are under God's judgment -- except for those who've trusted in God's provision to escape that judgment.