Sin: Missing the Mark of God's Perfection

The original biblical meaning of sin is “missing the mark.” In this context, the "mark" is the standard of perfection set by God and fully demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

What is Sin, Really?

We don't talk about sin to judge others, but because we can't fully know God until we understand what separates us from Him.

• A Violation of Will: Sin is anything that goes against God’s will. It is a choice of stubbornness, defiance, or disobedience toward the Creator.

• The Cause of Pain: All pain, hurt, uncertainty, and doubt in the universe stem from the entry of sin. It is the core issue that creates a barrier between us and God.

• A Universal Problem: The Bible is clear that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Since we all fall short of God’s perfect standard, we all need His rescue.

The Solution: 3 Steps to Overcome Sin

No amount of human willpower is enough to defeat sin alone. Victory comes from confessing, repenting, and relying on a power greater than yourself—God’s love.

1. Honesty: Confess Your Sin.

   • Action: Name your sin precisely what it is before God. Stop hiding, lying, or making excuses.

   • Truth: When you confess your sin to God, He is faithful to forgive you. “Those who hide their sins won’t succeed, but those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

2. Choice: Repentance (A Spiritual 180).

   • Action: Repentance means making a conscious decision to change your mind and course—a spiritual 180-degree turn away from sin and toward God.

   • Truth: God gave you the power of choice. The moment you resolve in your will not to sin, Satan cannot force you to do so (Ephesians 4:23).

3. Power: Rely on God’s Love.

   • Action: You must rely on a strength that is beyond your own. That strength is God’s love poured into your heart.

   • Truth: “Christ’s love compels us... He died for all so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who had died and risen for them.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). God's love is the only force capable of breaking the power of sin.

Myths vs. Truths About Sin

New Christians often believe lies about what their relationship with sin should look like.

The Lie You Might BelieveThe Truth from Scripture"As a Christian, I should live a perfect life."Truth: We aim for God's perfection, but Jesus knew we would fall short.

Your freedom from the penalty of sin is secured, but the presence of sin is still a battle."I can’t stop sinning, so I must not be saved."Truth: Your struggle is evidence the Holy Spirit is at work!

We need God's grace for the power to obey, just as we needed His grace to be saved (1 John 2:1)."My sin is too great; God can’t forgive me."Truth: There is NO SIN that God cannot forgive.

Your pride is the only thing convincing you that your sin is too special for God's boundless grace.

The Seven Cardinal Vices

While the Bible does not present a single list called "The Seven Deadly Sins," it frequently warns against these deep-seated vices, which can lead to other sins.

• 1. Pride: An excessive love for oneself and a desire to outperform others. (Opposite: Humility)

• 2. Lust: A strong, irrational urge for illicit or unethical gratification (not limited to sexual desire). (Opposite: Self-Control)

• 3. Gluttony: The excessive consumption of food or other items to the point of waste or harm. (Opposite: Temperance)

• 4. Greed (Avarice): An unhealthy and passionate desire for material wealth or possessions. (Opposite: Generosity)

• 5. Sloth (Acedia): Laziness expressed by the deliberate avoidance of work or lack of interest in spiritual development. (Opposite: Diligence)

• 6. Wrath: An outburst of uncontrollable rage, often fueled by a desire for vengeance. (Opposite: Patience)

• 7. Envy: The longing for others’ possessions, skills, or abilities, often coupled with resentment. (Opposite: Gratitude)