“For all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23 (AMP)
Sin is not simply a moral mistake or a human weakness—it is, at its very core, an offence against the holy nature of God. In biblical teaching, sin brings separation from the very source of life—God Himself—and thus leads to spiritual death. Yet, thanks be to God, through Christ Jesus, there is the way of escape, deliverance, and restoration.
This post explores:
- The meaning of sin in Scripture
- Its far-reaching consequences
- How can it be overcome only in Christ by the Spirit’s power and the Word’s guidance
All this is only possible when Christ dwells in you, when you are led by the Spirit, dead to the world, Adam and the flesh—but alive in Him and His life within you.
What Is Sin? #
Definition (English Word: “Sin”):
The English word “sin” comes from the Greek word ἁμαρτία (hamartia), meaning “to miss the mark” (like an archer missing the target). It means to fall short of God’s holy standard.
Biblical Description of Sin: #
Aspect | Explanation | Scripture (AMP) |
---|---|---|
Rebellion Against God | Disobedience to God’s known will | 1 John 3:4 — “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” |
Falling Short of His Glory | Not reflecting His nature or purpose | Romans 3:23 — “Since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God.” |
Transgressing the Law | Breaking God’s command | James 2:10 — “For whoever keeps the whole Law but stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of breaking all of it.” |
No sin is ‘small’ in God’s sight. Even the slightest failure to align with His perfect will is sin. Whether hidden thoughts or public actions, sin is universal in fallen humanity.
The Consequences of Sin #
1. Separation from God #
Isaiah 59:2 (AMP)
“But your wickedness has separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.”
Sin creates a wall between man and God. Fellowship is broken. Intimacy dies. God, being holy, cannot unite with sin-stained flesh.
2. Spiritual Death #
Romans 6:23 (AMP)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Death here is not only physical but spiritual death—separation from God’s life, joy, peace, and presence.
3. Eternal Judgment (The Second Death) #
Revelation 20:14-15 (AMP)
“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”
Those not reconciled to God through Christ face eternal separation, described here as the second death.
4. Relational and Social Damage #
Sin not only affects the individual—it poisons families, societies, and nations.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, hostility, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes… those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse warns about the visible fruits of sin: Broken trust, abuse, injustice—all flow from unrepentant sin.
Overcoming Sin in Christ #
How to Overcome Sin | Biblical Means | Scripture (AMP) |
---|---|---|
By the Blood of Jesus | Cleansing from sin | 1 John 1:7 — “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” |
By the Holy Spirit | Power to resist | Galatians 5:16 — “Walk habitually in the Holy Spirit… you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature.” |
By the Word of God | Renewing the mind | Ephesians 6:17 — “The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” |
Through Faith and New Identity in Christ | Becoming new | 2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature…” |
Through Fellowship and Accountability | Encouragement | Hebrews 10:24-25 — “Let us consider… encouraging one another…” |
The Ongoing Battle #
Victory over sin is not a one-time event but a daily cross, a continual death to the self-life (Adam nature), and a resurrection in Christ’s indwelling life.
Luke 9:23 (AMP)
“If anyone wishes to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
We walk by the Spirit. We renew the mind by the Word. We are cleansed continually by His Blood. And we overcome not in our strength, but in Christ within.
Conclusion #
Sin is deadly. Its consequences are eternal. But God, in mercy, has made a way through the Cross of Christ. The death and resurrection of Jesus open the way for total forgiveness, freedom, and transformation for those who repent and believe.
Romans 8:1-2 (AMP)
“Therefore there is now no condemnation… for the law of the Spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
In Christ, you are no longer a slave to sin but a servant of righteousness.
You are called to: #
- Walk in the Spirit
- Feed daily on the Word
- Abide in fellowship
- Remain humble, repentant, and obedient
Sin is overcome not by willpower but by union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Final Encouragement #
Hebrews 12:1-2 (AMP)
“Let us rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us… fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith…”
With Christ in you, the victory is sure.
Prayer #
Heavenly Father,
We confess our sins and failures before You. Cleanse us by the precious blood of Jesus. Fill us with Your Spirit to resist temptation and live in Your righteousness. Renew our minds by Your Word. Strengthen us by Your grace to walk in holiness, truth, and love. Help us to hate sin and love righteousness. Make us a reflection of Christ on earth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
In Christ,
Shaliach.