Sin, as an act, is defined by John Wesley as "A willful transgression against a known law of God."
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it,
sins. -- James 4:17 (NIV)
Dr. Stephen Manley has described sin as shaking my fist of rebellion in God's face.
Lord, give us a holy hunger to turn from all rebellion and to prefer a right relationship with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Holiness Unto The Lord!
Grateful
Far too many people think of willful sin as something insignificant instead of what it is...defiance. Hebrews 10:26 gives a stern warning about continuing to choose willful sin over Him. My prayer is that people will grab the idea of how much sin breaks the heart of God. Thanks bro.
ReplyDeleteSin always includes a warning from God when it is presented, an act of the will to be committed, and condemnation when fallen into. Sin is not something that can happen without you knowing about it, nor is it mistakes or frailty of humanity like worrying, irritation, or lacking patience.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good comments.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, some people would take Wesley's definition and expand it -- they say "we sin every day, in word, thought and deed." Maybe so, even in Wesley's definition, but it doesn't have to be that way!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad John said "IF WE SIN" not "WHEN WE SIN"! Indeed, it does not have to be that way. We do not have to sin everyday. HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH!
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