SIN IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

By Nick Bibile

What Is Sin?

• Sin – The transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4), or any unrighteousness (1 John 5:17). It is falling short of God’s perfect standard.

• Transgression – The violation or breaking of God’s commandments.

• Iniquity – Moral corruption, wickedness, and a lack of righteousness.

• Original (Inherited) Sin – The sinful nature passed down from Adam to all mankind; we are born sinners.

• Unrighteousness – A condition of being morally wrong and not aligned with God’s holy standard.

• Sins of Commission – Doing what God has forbidden.

• Sins of Omission – Failing to do what God has commanded.

• Accountability to God – Every person is answerable to God for thoughts, words, and actions, and will face His judgment.

• Inward Sin – Sin rooted in the heart—thoughts, desires, and intentions.

• Outward Sin – Sin expressed through actions, speech, and behavior.

• Vertical View of Sin – Sin is first and foremost an offense against God, not merely against man.

• Sin as Debt – Sin places us in debt before God (Matthew 6:12).

The Law Reveals Sin

Where does the New Testament teach that the law exposes sin?

Romans 7:7
“I would not have known sin except through the law…”

Romans 3:19–20
“…through the law comes knowledge of sin… that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.”

The law is not the problem—it is the mirror. It reveals what we truly are before a holy God.

Seeing Sin the Right Way: A Vertical Perspective

Psalm 51:4
“Against You, You only, have I sinned…”

Sin must be seen primarily as an offense against God.

Isaiah 6:5
“Woe is me! For I am undone… for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

When Isaiah saw God’s holiness, he immediately saw his own sinfulness.
This is the correct perspective—not comparing ourselves with others, but with God.

The Danger of a Distorted Gospel

There is a growing message today that focuses only on material blessing, prosperity, and comfort. Many are drawn to it because it appeals to the flesh.

But here is the problem:
If sin is not preached, repentance will never happen.

A gospel that promises wealth but ignores sin is not the gospel of Christ.

Many churches avoid preaching the law of God because it convicts. Instead, they focus heavily on end-times speculation while neglecting the doctrine of salvation.

That is a serious imbalance.

The Necessity of Preaching the Law

We do not awaken sinners with a softened message, but with the sharp truth of God’s Word.

Galatians 3:24
“The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ…”

The law exposes our self-righteousness, reveals our guilt, and drives us to Christ.

• The law shows our sin

• The law brings conviction

• The law leads to repentance

• The law points us to Christ

We could never satisfy the law—but Christ did.

Biblical Preaching Produces Conviction

The apostles did not preach a comfortable message.

Acts 2:37–38
When Peter preached, the people were “cut to the heart” and cried out, “What shall we do?”
Peter answered, “Repent…”

He did not entertain—he confronted.

Beware of Deceptive Messages

Ephesians 5:6
“Let no one deceive you with empty words…”

A “sugar-coated gospel” may attract crowds, but it does not save souls.

People must understand:

• They have broken God’s law

• They stand guilty before Him

• They need repentance

Jesus Exposed the Depth of Sin

Jesus did not lower the standard—He raised it.

Sin Is More Than Outward Actions

Matthew 5:21–22
Anger is equated with murder.

Matthew 5:27–28
Lust is equated with adultery.

God sees not only what we do—but what we think and desire.

The Seriousness of Sin

Matthew 5:29–30
Jesus used strong language to show the seriousness of sin—it must be dealt with radically.

Sin is not small. It is deadly.

The Nature of Sin

• Failure to Love – Sin is ultimately failure to love God and others (Matthew 22:37–40).

• Rebellion – It is disobedience and rejection of God’s authority (John 15:22–24).

• Bondage – “Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34).

• Omission – Knowing what is right and not doing it is sin (James 4:17).

The Consequence of Sin: Judgment

Sin is not merely a problem for this life—it determines eternity.

Jesus spoke clearly about hell:

• A place of judgment (Matthew 10:28)

• A place of eternal fire (Matthew 25:41)

• A place of eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46)

• A place of torment and separation (Luke 16:19–31)

• A place of outer darkness and anguish (Matthew 8:12)

This is not symbolic language—it is a real warning.

The Purpose of Christ’s Coming

This is why Jesus came:

To save sinners.

Final Truth

The law and the gospel must never be separated.

• The law reveals sin

• The law brings conviction (Acts 2:37)

• The law leads to repentance (Acts 2:38)

• The gospel brings salvation

Remove the law, and you are left with a shallow, powerless message—one that produces no fear of God and no true repentance.

The law wounds. The gospel heals.