The Bible's Answer to the Question Every Christian Must Ask: What Is Sin?

What Does the Bible Actually Say About How to Identify Sin?

Rev. Roland Barnes, senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Statesboro, Georgia, has published a powerful article through Ligonier Ministries and The Christian Post addressing one of the most fundamental questions in Christian theology: how do we know if something is a sin?

Barnes argues that understanding sin is essential because without recognizing our sinful nature, we cannot understand our need for a Savior. The Scriptures teach that sin is displeasing to God and merits spiritual death and eternal judgment (Romans 6:23; John 8:24).

The pastor begins by clarifying what sin is not. Sin is not our personal opinion of right and wrong, nor is it a private list of forbidden behaviors. It is not determined by personal preferences or societal approval.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes.

Barnes referenced Proverbs 12:15 to challenge the idea that individuals can define sin according to their own standards. He also pushed back against the notion that majority opinion determines morality, noting that societal approval of practices like abortion or homosexuality does not remove them from the category of sin.

The article points to 1 John 3:4 as the definitive biblical definition: "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness." Barnes explains that God's law reflects His holy character, and Romans 7:12 describes the law as "holy and righteous and good."

Barnes also drew on the Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 14, which defines sin as "any want [lack] of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God." This identifies two broad categories: sins of omission, when we fail to do what God requires, and sins of commission, when we do what God forbids.

Understanding Sin Through Scripture: Why Every Christian Needs to Know God's Law

Barnes emphasized that exposure to God's Word and law is essential for believers to understand what God requires, to grasp the gravity of our sinful condition, and to recognize our desperate need for grace and mercy through Jesus Christ.

I am undone! I am a sinner, condemned, unclean, the chief of sinners!

Those who understand the true nature of sin, Barnes writes, respond with this kind of humility and repentance. They find forgiveness by God's grace in Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away sin. As forgiven believers, Christians can pursue lives pleasing to God by studying His law and Word.

The Crusader's Opinion

We live in a world that has decided it gets to vote on what God has already declared. Society polls itself on morality like it is picking a restaurant. But the Creator of the universe did not ask for our input. He gave His law, and He expects obedience. Every generation that has tried to redefine sin to suit its comfort has met the same fate. The question is not whether you agree with God's definition of sin. The question is whether you will submit to it before you stand before Him and discover it was never up for debate.

Take Action

• Read and study the Westminster Shorter Catechism, especially Questions 14 through 84, which cover the Ten Commandments and their application to daily life.
• Commit to a daily Bible reading plan focused on God's law. Start with Romans chapters 6 and 7 to understand sin and grace. Visit Ligonier Ministries for free study resources.
• Join or start a small group Bible study at your local church focused on understanding holiness and sanctification.
• Support ministries that teach sound biblical doctrine. Donate to Ligonier Ministries or your local church's discipleship programs.
• Share this article with a friend or family member who is wrestling with questions about right and wrong. Start the conversation about what God's Word actually says.
• Support persecuted Christians worldwide who face punishment for following God's law instead of man's. Give at www.TheShepherdsShield.org or Open Doors.