The dictionary defines sin as any thought, word, action, omission, or desire, contrary to the law of God. However, today we are bombarded with a multitude of definitions which fit various modern theologies, and they serve to blur the original, biblical meaning of the word. These days sin is "a broken relationship" or "a drifting away from God" or "a bad feeling about God." But in my book they are getting the cart before the horse; they are reversing cause and effect, for all these are the effects of sin. Adam and Eve entered into temptation when they failed to follow instructions to not stray apart, but they did not sin until they actually ate the forbidden fruit.
How does one determine if one has this sinless relationship with God? We are told that we will have a warm feeling, an assurance of safety and peace. But can we really depend on our feelings? We are told that if we do so we will be deceived. I know of an Adventist pastor who has these warm feelings, but he regularly visits adult book stores. He claims that as long as you have a good relationship with Jesus that you can do anything and it will be automatically forgiven, and people eagerly buy his books. Also, another paster, who is a member of a prominent men's quartet, claims that he has not sinned for over a year, and he probably hasn't according to his definition of sin.
I personally believe that the only safe course is to rely on the plain word of truth as found in I John 3:4, "Sin is the transgression of the law." Your relationship with Jesus then depends on repentance and trust in His forgiveness. Many people today are lulled into a false sense of security by relying on their feelings or on the assumption of once saved always saved, and that once they have accepted Jesus that they can do no wrong. They fail to realize that for every sin there is a penalty, and that penalty must either be paid by them or by Jesus' blood, which was shed for all those who will accept His forgiveness by repentance and reform.
In the practice of law there is the expression, "pro bono," which means free of charge for services rendered. We are told in Rom. 18:23 that "the wages of sin is death." When it comes to sin, someone must pay; Jesus paid for our transgressions by His death on the cross. This is called justification, and it is available for everyone. However, in order to avail ourselves of this service,we must recognize our sinful condition, repent and forsake our evil ways of the flesh, be reborn by the Spirit of God, and allow ourselves to be sanctified by His indwelling Spirit. Unless we do this on a daily, moment by moment dedication, then we will pay the price instead of Jesus. When it comes to sin, there is no pro bono.
