The definition of sin
The Bible provides a clear definition for sin.
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4
Sin is lawlessness or transgression of the law. What is the law?
Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Romans 7:12
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. Romans 7:14
My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness. Psalms 119:172
The law of the LORD is perfect…Psalms 19:7
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth. Psalms 119:142 NKJV
As the law is holy, perfect, and righteous, it is a reflection of God Himself in written form. It is a transcript of His character.
His law is a transcript of His own character, and it is the standard of all character…. The life of Christ on earth was a perfect expression of God’s law, and when those who claim to be children of God become Christlike in character, they will be obedient to God’s commandments. Christ’s Object Lessons 315.1
The living God has given in His holy law a transcript of His character. Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students 365.2
The law of God, being a revelation of His will, a transcript of His character, must forever endure, “as a faithful witness in heaven.” Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or tittle has been changed. Says the psalmist: “Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” “All His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever.” Psalm 119:89; 111:7, 8. Great Controversy 434.1
…that the law is a transcript of the divine perfections, and that a man who does not love the law does not love the gospel; for the law, as well as the gospel, is a mirror reflecting the true character of God. Great Controversy 465.2
As God’s law is spiritual, it finds it’s completeness in the life of Christ revealed on earth. Therefore sin is anything not in harmony with the life of Christ. As Christ is the brightness of the Father’s glory or character, we see that sin is any character not in harmony with Christ’s life.
Taking all these things into consideration, sin is attributing to God that which is false, and manifesting that falsehood in word and deed.
Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is “the transgression of the law;” it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government. Great Controversy 492.2
The law says “You shall not kill.” Therefore God does not kill. To state that God does kill is the seed that leads to sin. It leads a person to devalue life, and to desire the death of those whom they consider evil.
To say that God destroys when Christ never revealed any such actions in His life – is a fountain for sin. To say that God will not forgive without demanding death is the foundation of sin, for this is not revealed in the Ten Commandments or the life of Christ.
Adam believed that Eve must die. He did not believe that God would be merciful enough to forgive. He attributed to God that which was false, and this, by definition is sin.
The worship of God in anyway outside of the truth of His character is idolatry and therefore is sin. The only way to know the Father is through the revelation of Jesus Christ. He is the only way to the Father, meaning that you can only conceive God in truth by what you see in the person of Jesus as revealed on earth.
In order to live this character, you must have the Spirit of Jesus dwelling in you. It is impossible to live like God without His Spirit, for the law is spiritual. In believing in the name of the only begotten Son, (meaning you believe He is begotten of the Father and His character is harmless) you can receive His Spirit, and this life-giving Spirit will manifest in you the law of God.
Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:9
The law of God is not a list of rules that you must summons your resources to make yourself obey. This is impossible. You must believe upon Jesus Christ as your mediator, and the Spirit of Christ will live in you and give you righteousness, holiness and life. It is a free gift. Therefore, the Ten Commandments are ten promises of what God will do in you through the Spirit of His Son.
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” This promise is given on condition: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” The ten commandments, Thou shalt, and, Thou shalt not, are ten promises secured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe. Review and Herald October 26, 1897, par. 4
We can’t use the law to obtain righteousness for righteousness does not come from the law. The law can only bear witness to us that we have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us.
Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; Romans 3:20-22
Therefore, life can only be found in Jesus Christ. His love for the Father, His obedience to the Father, His blessing from the Father, is mediated to you through His Spirit. This is the gift which Christ ministers to all created beings; it is the primary function of His eternal priesthood.
…and hast spoken unto him, saying: Thus spake Jehovah of Hosts, saying: Lo, a man! A Shoot-- is his name, And from his place he doth shoot up, And he hath built the temple of Jehovah. Yea, he doth build the temple of Jehovah, And he doth bear away honour, And he hath sat and ruled on His throne, And hath been a priest on His throne, And a counsel of peace is between both. Zechariah 6:12-13 YLT
The LORD has sworn and will not relent, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." Psalms 110:4
I quote from the Young’s literal translation to show that Christ has already built the spiritual temple for the Father in His body temple, and He was a priest on the throne from the very beginning.
The ministry of the Son of God to all created beings is the only means by which anyone can be kept from sin. The priesthood of Christ is first and foremost a ministry of life and blessing. It is eternal, it is precious, it is everything to us.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life--the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us--that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 1 John 1:1-4
Christ is the eternal mediator between God and His creation. He is the wisdom of God.
