1 John 1:8 English Standard Version (ESV) If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Sin is deceitful, let us begin with that. Over the years I have had several heated discussions about sin. People do not like to be told that what they are doing is sinful. So to begin this session on critical understanding I went to BLB.ORG and looked up sin. I found 65 different bible dictionaries on the subject. One even had 8 different categories under their 5th subset. Why not have one simple definition that everyone can agree upon?
Romans 14:14 English Standard Version (ESV) I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.
The liberal interpretation of this verse is, I determine what is sinful and what is not. The reasoning behind some of this thinking is rooted in consequences of sin. If we do not suffer consequences, then it must not be sin. That ignores the fact that others, perhaps our children, will suffer the consequences of our sins. Sin is deceitful in how it convinces sinners that they are alright.
If we do not have a clear understanding of sin, how will we avoid it? God gave us Ten Commandments which were not clear enough so we got 603 more to make things clearer. Do we know them all? Do we obey them all? We live under grace not law, so now we don’t have to obey them? That is sin’s deceit.
Romans 16:25-27 English Standard Version (ESV)
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
The mystery is Christ in us which brings about living by faith. Sin is not the issue if we live by faith.