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The Dangers of Sin

The Dangers of Sin 

What is sin? The Bible states that sin is when a person violates God's law (I John 3:4). However, there are several ways in which one can violate God's law.

Ways In Which One Can Sin:

Ignorance

The New Testament frequently emphasizes the word "to know." Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). In the book of I John, John often writes of a Christian's ability to know "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (I John 2:3). Knowing what is right and wrong and what is true and false is essential. However, it is possible for one to "not know."  Webster defines ignorance as a lack of knowledge, understanding or education; therefore it is possible for a person to be in sin because of their lack of knowledge "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). The issue about the subject of ignorance is whether it is excusable in the sight of God. The Bible states "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (Eph 4:18). This passage of Scripture seems to indicate that one that is ignorant of sin is still culpable.

Error

There are more scriptures in the Bible that references sin as "error" than any other way. To "err" is defined as one who goes astray or to make a mistake. "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word" (Ps 119:67). The word "err" generally refers to an error in moral conduct. In addition, it also can refer to one being lead astray by deception. This of course is an avoidable error, but it still carries the full weight of responsibility. "For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me" (Rom 7:11).

Inattention

The word inattention conveys the idea a person hearing amiss or incorrectly. There are several New Testament passages that refer to inattention as a sin. The clearest example is found in Hebrews 2:1-3:

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him"

Many people throughout history have neglected to be attentive to Gods word. One should always remember to pay attention all their actions, thoughts and most importantly listen to God's word so they will not fall into the ways of the early Hebrew Christians " 




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