Sin
According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words, “sin” is, “literally, a missing of the mark.”
1 John 3:4 gives us a Spirit-filled definition saying, “Whoever
commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.”
When John tells us the one who commits sin practices “lawlessness”
he is saying one’s actions are contrary to law.
God does have a law (1 Cor. 9:21). Our love for Him demands that we obey
it. 1 John 5:3 goes on to say, “For this is the love of God, that we
keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”
In the past, you may have “sinned” and fallen “short of the
glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet, God gave us His only Son Jesus to
bear your sin on the cross (John 3:16; 1 Pet. 2:24).
Your sins can be forgiven if you will turn from them and obey Jesus as
your Lord (Acts 2:36-38). Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we will
no longer have to worry about breaking God’s law (1 Pet. 2:21-24).
July 2005