Is Sin Real?

What does it mean to sin? And is it real?

Sin is real, because it is God how invented the word and who determines what sin is. To help to understand what the word sin means we must go to the original Hebrew. The Hebrew word for sin is chata' (ajx) which means “to miss the mark”. Sin isn’t about breaking rules; it is about missing a standard that is set so as to have an open relationship free from actions and said words which builds walls between two people or beings. It is not only possible to sin against God but also against other people. However, to sin against God has the greatest of consequences. We should not sin against each other as it causes fractures between each other, but just as in human relationships sinning against God causes the greatest rift of all. Missing God’s mark separates us from God. It is what keeps us from having true fellowship with Him. The Bible talks frequently about how we must not sin against God. Here are some verses which speak to not sinning against God:

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." – Gen 4:7

Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous – Gen 18:20

Reuben replied, "Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood." – Gen 42:22

maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." – Ex 34:7

He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction. – Prov 17:19

When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. – Prov 19:16

“All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” - Rom 3:23

Here are some of the consequences of sin:

maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." – Ex 34:7

“For the wages of sin is death…” - Rom 6:23

You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, - Ex 20:5

Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. - Ex 29:36

When they become aware of the sin they committed, the assembly must bring a young bull as a sin offering and present it before the Tent of Meeting. – Lev 4:14

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. – Prov 14:34

Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin. – Psa 38:3

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; - Psa 66:18

Here are some passages on if we repent of our sin:

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah – Psa 32:5

If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.” - Rom 6:23

So sin is very real. Because of it's grave consequences it is something that we need to be freedfrom; it is something for which we need a Saviour.

Next post: Why do we need forgiveness of sin?