1. SEEING SIN FOR WHAT IT IS The Greek word most often translated as sin literally means to miss the mark. Thus, when we sin, we miss the mark God has set for us (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 4:26). But there are other things we need to know about sin that we may truly recognize it for what it is. THE SYNONYMS FOR SIN THE SYNONYMS FOR SIN THE TWO KINDS OF SIN THE TWO KINDS OF SIN THE BIBLICAL FIGURES FOR SIN THE BIBLICAL FIGURES FOR SIN

2. THE SYNONYMS FOR SIN Transgression: Primarily a going aside, then, an overstepping, is used metaphorically to denote transgression (always a breach of law) (Vine, page 1172). Iniquity: This definition …sets forth [the] essential character [of sin] as the rejection of the law, or will, of God and the substitution of the will of self (Vine, page 657). Unrighteousness: The comprehensive term for wrong, or wrong-doing, as between persons (Vine, page 1197).

3. THE TWO KINDS OF SIN Sins of commissiondoing what God forbids or does not authorize (1 John 3:4) Sins of omissionfailing to do what is good (James 4:17).

4. THE BIBLICAL FIGURES FOR SIN A heavy burden which the Lord will gladly replace with a lighter one (Ps. 38:4-6; Isa. 24:20; Matt. 11:28-30) Foolishness (Num. 12:11; 1 Sam. 13:13; 2 Sam. 24:10) A hard taskmaster from which sinners can be made free (John 8:31-34; Rom. 6:6, 16-18; 2 Peter 2:19) A putrefying disease from which sinners need to be healed (Isa. 1:4-6; Hosea 7:1; 14:4; Ps. 41:4) A polluting filth from which sinners must be cleansed (2 Cor. 7:1; 2 Peter 2:20-22; James 1:21)

5. THE BIBLICAL FIGURES FOR SIN A binding debt which sinners can never repay but from which they can be released (Matt. 6:12,14,15; 18:21-35) A blemishing stain which can only be removed by water and the blood (Ps. 51:1,2,7; Eph. 5:25-27; Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5) An impenetrable darkness which can only be dispelled by the light of Gods word (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 John 1:6; 2:9,11; Ps. 119:105; John 1:1- 9; 3:19-21)

6. SEEING SIN FOR WHAT IT IS Gods word describes sin in the most negative of terms. It seems that He wants us to be as repulsed by the idea of sin as He is. Sin makes God sick (Rev. 3:16). It should make us sick as well.