Understanding Sin in a Biblical Perspective

Sin, as defined in the Bible, is the transgression of God's law. It is a fundamental concept that has profound implications for our lives and our relationship with God. The Bible describes sin not as a single, distinct action, but as a state of disobedience to God's commandments. This doctrine is rooted in the understanding that God's law, as revealed in the Torah, is the standard by which humanity is judged.

What is Sin?

Sin is primarily defined as disobedience to God's word. In the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, it is described as breaking God's laws, such as the Ten Commandments. The book of Proverbs also emphasizes the importance of listening to God's instructions, stating that turning aside from hearing His Torah is an abomination. This means that sin is not just an accidental mistake, but a deliberate choice to disobey God's will.

The Purpose of Life and Salvation

The purpose of life, according to biblical teachings, is to become spiritually clean and remain so until the day of death. Mathew 24:13 focuses on the necessity of being spiritually clean to achieve salvation. This concept is reinforced by passages such as Ezekiel 18, which emphasizes that only those who follow God's instructions can achieve eternal salvation.

Challenges and Misunderstandings

One of the biggest challenges in understanding sin is the widespread belief that salvation can be achieved while still alive. This is a fundamental misinterpretation of biblical teachings. The Bible clearly states that no one is ‘saved’ until death. This idea is supported by passages such as Mathew 24:13, which emphasizes the necessity of spiritual cleanliness at the moment of death.

Another misunderstanding is the belief that certain words in the Bible, such as 'grace' and 'repentance,' have different meanings in Greek than in Hebrew. In reality, these words have specific and consistent meanings. 'Repentance' means to return to keeping God's law, while 'grace' refers to the time provided to achieve this. Misinterpretations of these terms have led to false teachings and practices in many churches.

The Importance of Proper Translation

The proper translation of biblical texts, especially from Hebrew to English, is crucial for accurate understanding. The King James Version (KJV) and its derivatives are often criticized for their corruption and misinterpretation. Proper translations, such as the ISR (International Standard Version), provide a clearer and more accurate understanding of biblical teachings.

The Role of Forgiveness and Salvation

Forgiveness and salvation are intimately linked in the Bible. The parable of the ten virgins vividly illustrates this point. The 5 foolish virgins, despite their efforts to become spiritually pure, still faced rejection because they did not fully fulfill the requirements. This teaches us that simply becoming 'spiritually pure' is not enough; one must fully commit to following God's commandments.

Salvation, therefore, is not a automatic process but a continuous journey of obedience and commitment to God's Word. False churches often obscure this message, leading to confusion and a misunderstanding of God's will.

Conclusion

The key to a successful spiritual life is a deep and ongoing commitment to following God's instructions. This involves continual repentance and forgiveness, as well as a willingness to receive God's adoption. By adhering to the teachings of the Bible as interpreted in a properly translated version, such as the ISR, one can navigate the complexities of sin, forgiveness, and salvation more accurately.