Sin—What Is It?

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 4
Man's proper place is subjection to the will of God, so sin is the act of an independent will.
"Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Rom. 14:2323And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23). That is, faith brings us into the presence of God and we walk consciously there.
"All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). That is a summing up of all that the Apostle had been saying previously. Sin is measured by the true nature of God, and that is why it says, "have come short of the glory of God."
"To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:1717Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17). That is the active principle of obedience in the new man. To obey it not, is to give place to the old man. (Eph. 4:2222That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (Ephesians 4:22).)
The Word of God speaks of "sin" as the nature we have as children of Adam. (Psa. 51:55Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:5).) The fruit is the result. In Romans, chapters 6 and 7, we have deliverance from its power through the Spirit of life that is in Christ Jesus through faith.
OH, my Savior crucified,
Near Thy cross would I abide,
Gazing with adoring eye
On Thy dying agony.
Jesus bruised and put to shame,
Tells the glories of God's name;
Holy judgment there I found,
Grace did there o'er sin abound.
God is love I surely know,
In the Savior's depth of woe;
In the sinless in God's sight,
Sin is justly brought to light.
In His spotless soul's distress,
I have learned my guiltiness;
Oh, how vile my low estate,
Since my ransom was so great.
Rent the veil that closed the way
To my home of heavenly day,
In the flesh of Christ the Lord,
Ever be His name adored.
Yet in sight of Calvary,
Contrite should my spirit be,
Rest and holiness there find,
Fashioned like my Savior's mind.