The Definition of Sin by Keturah L.

In my post, Am I Safe in My Sin?, I talked about whether or not we as individual Christians ought to sin or not.

But that then brings up the question "What is sin?"

According to the online dictionary sin is "An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law.

'A sin in the eyes of God'

Synonyms: immoral act, wrong, wrongdoing, act of evil/wickedness, transgression, crime, offense, misdeed, misdemeanor."

It's funny, that even if though the Bible has set rules and examples of sin it's hard to understand what sin and evil really are.

That's because sin and evil aren't things or made-up rules. They are ideas - theological and philosophical concepts.

Once you understand that sin is not a thing but an abstract reality, it's easier to answer the following questions;

1. "What is sin?"

2. "Who made sin?"

3. "Who decided what sin is?"

4. "Who punishes sin?"

1. Since sin is not a thing, but a concept, what is the concept of sin?

Sin is not only the opposite of good, but the result of good missing.

Logically, we can come to the conclusion that sin only exists because of lack of perfection or good-doing.

2. Who made sin? Or more like, how can one make sin if it is an idea?

If sin is the result of taking away good - then sin is made by the offender and no one else is to blame.

Also, the idea of sin forces for their to be one to sin against. This is partly why those that do not believe in God do not believe in sin either.

This is why we punish the one committing the crime - never anyone else. And it's also the reason we are each responsible for our own actions and consequences - because WE are the ones that create our sin.

It's a choice matter.

3. Sin is of itself a "religious" thing.

It's rare that an unbeliever will actually admit to having "sinned" even if they happen to have that sense of guilt that means they have sinned

Sin is that which violates good, and in essence of His nature, God is good. Thus sin is that which violates God.

And what ever violates Him and the nature of good is sin.

So, it's not so much that God or the Bible has made up what sin, but He has defined it for us.

God has revealed to us all that would disrupt or cause good to be gone.

And that process is called sin.

4. Only good can punish sin. Why?

Because evil punishing evil would only create more evil. But good can bring both justice and mercy to the offender.

When one is totally uncorrupted it has the authority to continue pushing goodness onto sin, and vanquishing it.

The idea and concepts around sin are very important. They prove God's existence, and also demand our continual steadfastness to His goodness.

Even though sin is something we'd like to forget about, I believe that we should at least understand what it is so that when asked hard questions or facing temptations we will be prepared to say and do the right things.

1 Peter 1:16 "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Matt 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Believing in miracles, by Emily M.

Sometimes we walk around professing and confessing that God loves us. The sad truth is that even we sometimes doubt it can be true. It can perhaps be attributed to the things that life throws at us. The hurts, the pains and even the things we get so easily and effortlessly - and yes, we forget and lean in to our own understanding.

Yesterday we went out on a door to door campaign. The aim of it really was to engage people in meaningful conversations about education. And we walked into a miracle. At first I could not tell from looking at her smiling face and withered hands the story of her life.

She is a mother of about 5 children. The last born in grade 8 a girl. She has lived through life in ways we would never wish to live it. 8 years ago she was stricken by a very bad case of arthritis. Here it can get bad since it's a bit cold and she could do nothing g for herself. She could not feed or move or wash and being a mother with a young child it's was very hard to see her youngest grow without a mother's touch.

However, in that story we also heard how God sent help through good women of the church. How her husband never left her side. How finally relief came to her body and through a divine miracle she was finally able to move. It was great to hear that prayers work and how God has worked with patience. How she has lived to see the first of her grandchildren. It was great to hear how sadness may come but joy comes in the morning. How God works everything for good for those who believe.

I felt God's presence. I remembered to be grateful for everyday little things that we take from granted like singing aloud in the shower, sitting and talking and laughing with friends,... The sounds, sights and smells that make life. And I was in awe at how great it is when the Master is at work.
God bless you.