By Nick Bibile
Many people believe that because they do good things or live decent lives, God will accept them. But if our own goodness were enough to make us right with God, then why did Jesus have to come to this earth and die on the cross?
If righteousness could be gained by good works, then Christ’s death was in vain.
“If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.” — Galatians 2:21
Many are deceived into thinking they are good people. They measure sin horizontally—by comparing themselves with others.
They might say:
“I’m not as bad as that drug addict or that murderer. I don’t steal, lie, or cheat. I may sin a little, but God knows I have a good heart and I help others. I’m sure He will consider all the good things I’ve done.”
But sin is not measured by comparison with other people—it is measured vertically, against the holiness of God.
King David understood this when he cried out:
“Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight.” — Psalm 51:4
Even the prophet Isaiah, one of the most righteous men of his time, said:
“Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” — Isaiah 6:5
When we see sin the way God sees it, we realize we have sinned against a holy God—not merely failed human standards.
“Sin is the transgression of the law.” — 1 John 3:4
“All unrighteousness is sin.” — 1 John 5:17
Sin is breaking God’s law—whether by our thoughts, words, or actions.
God is the supreme ruler of the universe. He governs all things—the sun, moon, and stars. He gives life and sustains every living being.
He is the Lawgiver, higher than any president, judge, or ruler. His commands are not suggestions. He has full authority to give laws without needing our approval.
The summary of His moral law is found in the Ten Commandments.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“I would not have known what sin was except through the law.” — Romans 7:7
When we look at our lives in the light of God’s law, we see that we have all broken it.
Jesus revealed that sin is not just in what we do outwardly, but in the heart:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” — Matthew 5:27–28
We may see the results of sin, but God sees its cause. The law exposes our guilt and shows that we stand condemned before a holy God.
“There is none righteous, no, not one… there is none who does good.” — Romans 3:10–12
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” — 1 John 1:8
“If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” — 1 John 1:10
The prophet Jeremiah declares:
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” — Jeremiah 17:9
You don’t have to teach a child to do wrong—they naturally disobey. This shows that sin is in our nature.
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” — Psalm 51:5
We sin because we are sinners by birth.
That’s why Jesus came.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
Jesus is the glory of God revealed to us. He was born without sin, lived a perfect life, and fulfilled all the laws of God on our behalf.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory.” — John 1:14
If we don’t understand what sin truly is, we cannot understand the gospel.
Only when we see our sin in light of God’s holiness do we see our desperate need for Christ, the only Savior who can cleanse and forgive us.
If this message has blessed you, share it with someone today.
Let’s spread God’s Word—for His glory alone.