What is sin, or a sin?

[Sailormilan2]

Pretty simple title, but complex answer(s) I am sure.

I have been taught that sin is a violation of God's Law. But, God's Law as I read it is in Exodus/Leviticus and Deuteronomy. I have been taught many things that are "sins", but that I cannot find them listed in God's law in the Bible.

I've heard a variation in the sin is a violation of God's Will, but that seems rather vague and open to interpretation.

Finally, the strangest one I have recently heard is that sin is not doing what one is convicted(in one's heart) of doing. I find that to be incredibly vague and open to interpretation.

[Lineman101]

What a great explanation of sin is - John Piper-

“What is sin?
It is the glory of God not honored.
The holiness of God not reverenced.
The greatness of God not admired.
The power of God not praised.
The truth of God not sought.
The wisdom of God not esteemed.
The beauty of God not treasured.
The goodness of God not savored.
The faithfulness of God not trusted.
The commandments of God not obeyed.
The justice of God not respected.
The wrath of God not feared.
The grace of God not cherished.
The presence of God not prized.
The person of God not loved.
That is sin.”

― John Piper

I am sure many will chime in on this question. Notice, it is all about God.
Lineman101

[eb47]

Finally, the strangest one I have recently heard is that sin is not doing what one is convicted(in one's heart) of doing. I find that to be incredibly vague and open to interpretation.[/QUOTE]

The closest scripture that I can compare this to is James 4:17 (Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doit it not , to him it is sin.

[RAMCLAP]

Yes. James 4:17. Technically "sin" is an English archery term that means to miss the mark. This is the word the English used in translating the Bible into English. It is the violation of God's moral law. Depending on the situation it may or may not be a violation of ritual law.

[keep_ur_powder_dry]

A cardinal sin would have been voting for this current administration.

gb

[akjpresby]

"Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature."

1 John 3:4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Galatians 3:10, 12. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.... And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Westminster Larger Catechism (Q.24-30): http://reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html

[Just Dave]

Sin doing or thinking something that goes against God's holy, pure and righteous standard.

[WASR10]

Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. - 1 John 3:4

All unrighteousness is sin, says 1 John 5:17

Sin is simply the transgression of God’s law as it is given in His book, the Bible.

[Barang]

Disobedience and rebellion against God.

[Untamed1972]

Yes. James 4:17. Technically "sin" is an English archery term that means to miss the mark. This is the word the English used in translating the Bible into English. It is the violation of God's moral law. Depending on the situation it may or may not be a violation of ritual law.

That is the basic definition I go by these days. And for myself I look at it as any action, thoughts, or giving my energy, attention and focus to anything which is not for my higher good or does not advance me forward in life.

So sometimes its not even the action itself that is the sin, but the energy and motivation behind it.

The bible does not indicate that drinking is a sin, but it does talk about being a drunkard as a sin for example. Why? Because drinking to much and being a drunkard is not for your higher good.

Earning money, or having things isn't a sin, but being greedy and materialistic is.

So that's my take on it.

[bohoki]

a sin is breaking a rule of your religion

[RR.44]

Anything which you know to be wrong in your heart.

Rich