Just as an archer misses the center of a target, humanity has missed God’s perfect standard.
Sin is not merely what we do; it also describes our fallen condition apart from God.
Word Study
Hamartia (ἁμαρτία)
Meaning:
- Missing the mark
- Falling short
- Failure to meet God’s standard
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Notice the verse says all have sinned.
No one is excluded.
- Young or old
- Rich or poor
- Religious or non-religious
Every human being has fallen short of God’s perfect holiness.
Sin, Transgression, and Rebellion
The Bible uses several related terms to help us understand sin more fully.
1. Sin
Missing God’s perfect standard.
Example:
Failing to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
2. Transgression
A transgression is crossing a known boundary established by God.
The Greek word is parabasis (παράβασις), meaning:
- Stepping over a line
- Violating a command
- Breaking a law
Example:
Adam and Eve knowingly disobeyed God’s command in the Garden of Eden.