"What is SIN?"

Is there anyone who doesn’t have some opinion on the concept of SIN? I think most of us have some ideas on the matter. I found a great chapter in the book of Romans, though, that seems to simplify the matter, at least for me. Many of us feel that sin is doing something wrong or even not doing something we believe we’re supposed to do (sins of omission or commission). I think that is only part of the issue.

Why is it important that we understand what sin is? We know that sin cannot dwell in God’s presence. The WORD tells us that God created us to be His habitation, or dwelling place ( Ps 132:13; Eph 2:22). If we want to abide, or dwell, in His presence (or want Him to abide in our presence), then we must be willing to let go of all sin. That requires knowing what it is!

Romans 14 is a chapter of freedom. I understand this chapter to be a practical way for believers to live together in love and unity without compromise. In the Body of Christ today, there is much discord on issues concerning baptism, the various translations of the WORD, sexuality, the role of women in the Church, and how to carry the Gospel to the lost. Many are zealous for what they hold as truth. This as a good thing to a point. That point is, the judging and rejection of other believers. This chapter in Romans gives us a way to love through those disagreements, in spite of them.

In this chapter, Paul discusses some issues that arose in the early Church, issues about what foods were acceptable. Paul says, “Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.” (Rom 14: 4). If we are serving God and subject to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, it is Him to whom we are accountable. The problem is we know now in part, see through a glass dimly (1 Cor 13: 12). As confident as we may be in our position, it cannot be a complete picture because our understanding is not big enough to grasp the totality of God. “So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience.” (Rom 14: 5b) The last verse in the chapter contains the formula for identifying sin. “But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe - some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them - then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong.” (Rom 14:23 underline mine)

Whatever we do in thought or deed, must be done in faith! We are to live by faith, and we walk by faith!(Rom 1:17; Gal 3: 11) We are to eat, drink, and work in faith. We choose our mates in faith, our career, in faith, our school in faith. Any time we have to stop and ask, "Is this ok?" ... Chances are, it is not, because it is not in faith. Does that make sense to you? I cannot expect others, though, to live by my standards. I only have to be obedient to my understanding. They must rely on their own relationship with God. Each of us is responsible for our own heart, our own relationship with Jesus.

Speaking the truth in love should not bring condemnation or judgment, but rather demonstrate the love of the Father. I am free to state my position clearly, but in a way that does not judge or disrespect the position of another. This is something that has proven exceptionally difficult within the Church. That said, we can then continue in unbroken fellowship with both God and fellow believers, trusting God to bring correction in all His children whenever necessary.

27"My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand." John 10: 27-28