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What does the Bible say about sin?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that sin is humanity's rebellion against God's holy will, flowing from our fallen nature and bringing guilt, corruption, and death. Romans 3:23 declares that all have sinned, while Psalm 51:5 recognizes sin's deep root in human nature. Sin includes not only outward acts but the evil desires of the heart, as Mark 7:20-23 explains, and it includes failing to do the good we know, according to James 4:17. Its wages are death, yet God graciously provides forgiveness through Christ. Those who confess their sins may trust God's promise in 1 John 1:9: He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse. Believers still face temptation, but God provides a way to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • James 4:17 5 votes

    To him therefore who knows to do good and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin.

  • Romans 6:23 4 votes

    For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Romans 3:23 4 votes

    for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

  • 1 John 1:8-10 3 votes

    If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

  • Mark 7:20-23 3 votes

    He said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the man.”

  • Galatians 5:19-21 2 votes

    Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 2 votes

    No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

  • 1 John 3:4 2 votes

    Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.

  • 1 John 1:9 2 votes

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Psalms 51:5 2 votes

    Behold, I was born in iniquity. My mother conceived me in sin.

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