For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23

A short, simple, and straightforward verse from the Bible. But what does it mean to say we have sinned? And more significantly, what happens if we “fall short of the glory of God?”

Definitions

Webster defines sin as …

• An offense against religious or moral law.
• Transgression of the law of God.

The Bible defines sin as …

• A transgression [violation] of God’s commands (1 John 3:4).
• Rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7).
• Ignorance of Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
• Inherited sin from Adam’s original sin (Romans 5:12,18).

Scripture

From a Biblical Christian worldview, Scripture offers a broad list of thoughts and behaviors that constitute the sins of mankind. Some people only recognize sin when major commandments are broken. Others see sin as much more granular. Scripture, which is our source for understanding what sin is, highlights many examples …

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5:19-21

And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” - Mark 7:20-23

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. - Proverbs 6:16-19

Question: When you get a promotion at work or get a pat on the back for something good you have done, do you feel a sense of pride at the accomplishment? When you see a neighbor or coworker with a new car or boat, are you jealous or envious and covet it yourself? Are there times when you get angry with your spouse or kids? How often do you tell white lies in order to puff yourself up or to make someone else happy? Finally, when was the last time you were foolish?

Why is understanding our sin nature important?

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23

Understanding our sin nature is important because it can be the first step in receiving forgiveness for our bad thoughts and behaviors. By accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, God is offering each of us a pathway out of having to pay for the wrongs we commit. Christ died on the cross for our sins, if we will only take advantage of that gift.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9