PONDERING... What is sin?

This is part of a catechism study we're doing on Sunday mornings.

What is sin?

Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world He created, rebelling against Him by living without reference to Him, not being or doing what He requires in His law—resulting in our death and the disintegration of all creation.

• 1 John 3:4 ESV - "4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness."

rejecting or ignoring God in the world He created,

REJECT'ING, ppr. Throwing away; casting off; refusing to grant or accept; slighting. (Webster's 1828)

IGNORING- refusing to acknowledge, or pay attention to

Everything in the world is made by and for God. When we refuse to give Him credit, let alone glory, we sin. We're missing the whole point.

rebelling against Him by living without reference to Him,

REBELLION- An open and avowed renunciation of the authority of the government to which one owes allegiance; or the taking of arms traitorously to resist the authority of lawful government; revolt. (Webster's 1828)

We rebel against God by not living by His design (loving the holy and all powerful creator). Many people are turned off by the notion that those who do not believe in Jesus, those who have not been saved by Grace, live in "hatred" toward God. However, what else is a deliberate rejection of authority? Is rebellion loving? Now, I know our concept of rebellion is colored by our context. When most American's think of rebellion, they think of the colonies rebelling against the British. However, even if rebellion is done for a good reason, is it done out of honor and respect for the one against whom your are rebelling? No. What if that rebellion, then, is against someone who deserves your honor, respect, love, and devotion?

(rebelling against Him by) not being or doing what He requires in His law

Furthermore, we rebel when fail to live up to His standards (everyday).

—resulting in our death

Before sin, their was no death in the world. This refers to both our physical and spiritual death (Hell).

and (resulting in) the disintegration of all creation.

Sin not only effected mankind, but the whole earth. Droughts, tornados, poison ivy...etc. None of this would have existed before sin.