SIN

More than a dozen words are used in the Greek N.T. to represent various aspects of "sin" (e.g., bad, evil, transgression, iniquity, trespass, godless, unrighteous, etc.). The most frequently employed word is hamartia (173 times), which provides the picture of "missing the mark." The word is used literally in the Greek version of the O.T. for soldiers who could hurl stones with the sling and not miss (Jdg. 20:16). Sin is the transgression of God's law, whether by overt commission (1 Jn. 3:4), or by omission (Jas. 4:17). (a) Sin originated with the rebellion of Satan (1 Jn. 3:8), and the angels who followed him (2 Pet. 2:4; cf. Jude 6). (b) While Satan certainly tempts humans to sin (Mt. 4:3), man yields by his own choice (Jas. 1:13-14), for this enemy can be resisted (Jas. 4:7). (c) Sin is universal, afflicting all who have reached an age of moral and spiritual responsibility (Gen. 8:21; Rom. 3:10, 23). See ORIGINAL SIN. (d) Sin has affected man's environment (Gen. 3:18; 8:11; see FLOOD), his health (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12), and his relationship with God (Isa. 56:1-2; Eph. 2:1ff). (e) Jesus Christ came to earth and was subjected to temptation, but he never sinned (Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:21). He was qualified, therefore, to die for man's sin (Isa. 53:4-6; Mt. 26:28; 1 Cor. 15:3). (f) Forgiveness of sin is possible for those who surrender in faith to God and to his Son (Heb. 11:6; Jn. 8:24). One must change his life from wrong to right through repentance (Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 17:30-31). Union with Christ is effected finally by being buried in the water of baptism (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). For the Christian who sins, forgiveness is obtained through repentance and prayer (Acts 8:22).