Church Law And Sin: What's The Verdict?

The Bible defines sin as any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law. God is the ultimate standard of what is good and right, and His revealed Word is the absolute source that defines sin for man. While the Bible does not specifically mention whether breaking a church law is a sin, it provides guidance on how to determine if an action is a sin. For example, Romans 13:9-10 states that sin includes not loving your neighbour as yourself, which can take the form of stealing, adultery, murder, or coveting. Therefore, to determine if breaking a church law is a sin, one must consider whether it violates the principle of loving your neighbour and causes harm to others.

Is breaking a minor law, like speeding, a sin?

Sin is defined as breaking God's law, as outlined in the Bible. The Bible emphasizes the importance of obeying the laws of the land. In Romans 13:1-2, the Apostle Paul writes:

> "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

This passage underscores the responsibility of Christians to respect and adhere to civil laws, which are instituted for the common good and order of society. Therefore, breaking a law, even a minor one, could be considered a sin.

For example, speeding is considered a sin by some Christians. While the Bible doesn't specifically mention speeding, it does provide principles that suggest that speeding is inconsistent with Christian ethics. Speed limits are established to ensure public safety, and exceeding these limits can endanger oneself and others. This contradicts the biblical principle of loving one's neighbors as oneself (Mark 12:31). Speeding can also be seen as a lack of self-control, prioritizing one's desires over the well-being of others and the laws that govern us.

However, it is important to note that the Bible does not explicitly address all modern laws and situations. In cases where the government writes a law that violates the Word of God, Christians are instructed to "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Additionally, God makes a distinction between those who sin in ignorance and those who sin willfully (Numbers 15:27-31).

In conclusion, while breaking a minor law may not be specifically mentioned as a sin in the Bible, Christians are generally instructed to obey the governing authorities and respect the laws of the land.

Are there any circumstances where breaking the law is not a sin?

Sin is defined by God in the Bible, and it is any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law by omission or commission. God is the ultimate standard of what is good and right, and His revealed Word is the absolute source that defines sin for man. Therefore, sin is lawlessness and a violation of God's standard.

While the Bible does not provide a clear answer on whether breaking a church law is a sin, it does emphasize that sin is primarily against God and His laws. According to Romans 13:1-5, Christians should submit to the governing authorities, as they are established by God. However, when a government's laws contradict God's laws, Christians are expected to obey God rather than the government.

There are differing opinions on what constitutes a sin. For example, some people believe that hate, anger, drinking wine, or listening to certain types of music are sins, while others disagree. Ultimately, it is God who defines sin, and His laws take precedence over human laws.

In conclusion, while breaking a church law may not be specifically addressed in the Bible, Christians are generally expected to follow the laws of the land unless they directly contradict God's laws. Christians should use their judgment and prioritize following God's laws above all else.

What if the law contradicts God's law?

Sin is defined by God in his revealed word—the 66 books of the Bible. God is the ultimate standard of what is good and right, and his revealed word is the absolute source that defines sin for man. Sin is any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law by omission or commission.

The Bible differentiates between civil, ceremonial, and moral laws. The Law was given to separate God's people from the evil nations around them and to define sin. The Law also demonstrated that no human being could purify himself enough to please God, revealing our need for a saviour.

Jesus, the Lawgiver, did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfil it. He taught that God sees the heart and that we are held to a higher standard than external conformity to a set of rules. Jesus fulfilled the Law by being the only person to keep the whole Law, even in His heart, without sin.

Therefore, if a law contradicts God's law, it is not in line with God's standard of what is good and right. God's law, as revealed in the Bible, takes precedence and should be followed.

Can you sin against another person?

Sin is defined by God and is any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law. Many of these laws are about how we treat others, such as "You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet". Therefore, when someone steals, for example, they are sinning by breaking the law against stealing, but they are also acting against their neighbour.

The Bible reveals that our sins are not only against God but also against other people. For example, Exodus 20:12-16 states that we sin against our parents by dishonouring them, and we sin against someone by murdering or stealing from them.

When we sin against someone, we must first confess the sin to God and then go to the person we have sinned against, clearly describe the sin, and ask for their forgiveness. The Bible gives examples of confession to other people, such as Joseph's brothers asking for his forgiveness in Genesis 50:17-18. It also implies person-to-person confession in passages such as Luke 17:3-4, Ephesians 4:32, and Colossians 3:13.

The extent of the apology should match the impact of the sin. For example, if a man looks with lust at a woman, he should confess the sin to God, but it would not be appropriate to confess it to the woman. However, if a man breaks a promise or does something that directly impacts a woman, he must confess to her and seek her forgiveness.

Therefore, while every sin is ultimately committed against God, we can also sin against other people and must seek their forgiveness.

What does God say about sin in the Bible?

The Bible contains various verses that discuss the concept of sin and its consequences. God defines sin in his revealed Word—the 66 books of the Bible. Sin is any thought, word, or deed that breaks God’s law by omission or commission.

According to the Bible, all humans have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is a sin. Sin includes sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies. These actions flow out of fallen human nature and its desires.

The Bible also mentions that people can commit sins against each other. For example, stealing is not only breaking the law but also acting against one's neighbour.

The punishment for sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be sacrificed and take the infinite punishment we deserve for our sins. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be saved from sin and have eternal life.

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