What is sin? The original language of the Bible defines it as “to miss the mark.” The “mark” is the standard God established and Jesus lived out. Although the answer to the question “What is sin?” varies, the Bible makes it clear that everyone has sinned. Romans 3:23 (NIV) says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Sin is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible, beginning with the “original” sin when Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Often it seems as if sin is simply the violation of any of God’s laws, including the Ten Commandments.

The Apostle Paul put this into perspective when he said, “No one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin” (Rom. 3:20 NIV).

When we sin, God wants us to recognize that sin. Even people who have not murdered or committed adultery will be convicted of lying or worshipping false idols like wealth or power ahead of God.

Tragically, sin in any amount will distance us from God. Isaiah 59:2 (NIV) says, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”

The good news is that Jesus made a way for us to come back to God. His death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins. We cannot stand before God based on our good deeds. We cannot work our way to Heaven and into His presence. We must accept what Christ did for us.

Salvation Is A Gift. 

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”

To receive this gift you must:

Recognize that you are a sinner, lost, without God, and without hope (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:11–12).

Admit that Jesus shed His blood and died on the cross to save you from sin.

Come to God, turning away from sin and confessing Jesus as your Lord.

Believe from your heart and confess with your mouth that God forgives you of your sins and that He has saved you.

Prayer of Salvation

If you have never made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life, it’s not too late! Simply pray this prayer from your heart:

Dear God,

I recognize that I am a sinner and am lost without You. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I turn away from sin and invite You into my life. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe with all my heart that You have forgiven me of every sin and that You have saved me. Thank You!

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to God’s family! We have some materials we’d like to give you. They will help you get started in your walk with God. E-mail us at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-54-FAITH (543-2484).

We randomly asked people what sin is. Here are some of their answers!

“Sin is defiance.” —Tara, Age 39

“I think sin is doing what’s wrong in God’s eyes when you know what’s right.” —Krystal, Age 27

“Sin is when you know something is bad and you go ahead and do it anyway.” —Ryan, Age 22