Sin can be briefly defined as anything that goes against God’s holy nature. Several different words and phrases are used in the Bible for sin, such as: missing the mark, rebellion, wickedness, transgression and falling away. Sin can be in deed, thought, attitude, or by omission.
The Old Testament describes sin through different words such as ‘missing the mark’ (chata), wickedness (ra), and transgression (pasha). In the New Testament also we see sin described using words with similar meanings. We also see the sin of hypocrisy, as in that of the Jews who ignored their own sin but found sin in others.
Sin is also not doing what we know is right.
James 4:17 King James Version
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
This is because God shows us what is right and yet we choose not to do it. This is called a sin of omission.
Going against one’s conscience is also sin.
Romans 14:23 King James Version
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
For a Christian, conscience is the guidance of the Holy Spirit who dwells within. This principle is illustrated through the example of eating foods offered to idols.
In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul explains that an idol is just a false god and therefore food offered to an idol does not automatically become sinful. Mature Christians who are strong in their faith understand and agree with this fact, and so are at liberty to eat such a food. However, Paul asserts that a weaker Christian may not be able to understand or come to terms with this fact. For such a Christian, their conscience may tell them that it is in fact a sin to eat such food and hence they may refrain from doing so.
1 Corinthians 8:9-13 King James Version
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Moreover, a stronger Christian is advised to himself refrain from eating such food in the presence of a weaker brother. The goal here is that the stronger Christian should not cause the weaker Christian to stumble in their faith – this is also sin.
