Many of us, by our natural inclination, limit the definition of sin to the outward act. We think, “As long as I’m not doing that specific thing, I’m okay.” This is a dangerous way to view sin, and it’s a trap that Satan wants us to fall into. He wants to misrepresent the nature of sin, making it seem less sinful than it truly is.

Let’s look at what the Bible says. We read in 1 John 3:4 “Sin is the transgression of the law.” But it doesn't stop there. It also says, “sin is lawlessness.” This word “lawlessness” comes from the Greek word “anomia.” This is where it gets interesting.

The Greek word "anomia" is crucial here. According to the Lexicon, "anomia" means:

• "lawlessness, the condition of being without law"

• "iniquity, wickedness"

• "violation of law, transgression"

The definition of sin in 1 John 3:4 is not just about breaking specific laws but also about a state of being without law, a condition of the heart that is out of harmony with God's righteousness. It encompasses both the absence of the law and the violation of it.

Consider this:

• Sin isn't just what we do.

• It's who we are on the inside.

• It's an internal issue, a principle at war with the great law of love.

Jesus himself spoke of this. In Matthew 13:41, He talks about those who “practice lawlessness,” and in Matthew 23:28, He speaks of the “iniquity” within. It's not just the outward actions; it's the inward state. Iniquity is sin – within!

Ellen White also understood this deeper truth. It's crucial to examine her words carefully, as some often try to limit her quotes on sin. She states, "Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is 'the transgression of the law;' it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government." {GC 492.2}

Notice the key phrase: "the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of love." This shows she saw sin as more than just the act of transgression; it's an internal principle. She also writes, "The only definition we find in the Bible for sin is that 'sin is the transgression of the law' (1 John 3:4). The Word of God declares, 'All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23). 'There is none that doeth good, no, not one' (Romans 3:12). Many are deceived concerning the condition of their hearts. They do not realize that the natural heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." {1SM 320.1}

Here, she emphasizes the "condition of their hearts" and the "deceitful" and "desperately wicked" natural heart, identifying sin as an internal condition.

Why is this important? This matters because how we define sin directly impacts how we view righteousness, the Gospel, and our need for a Savior. If we think sin is only about actions, we might try to clean up our outward behavior while leaving the heart untouched. But God desires more than just outward conformity. He wants to transform our minds and hearts, to liberate us from sin at the deepest level.

There are, essentially, two views of sin. One is the shallow limited view, and the other is the full biblical view.

• The Surface View: Sin is just breaking rules. A choice to disobey. (This view often focuses on external actions and overlooks the internal condition.)

• The Deeper View (Biblical): Sin is both our inner condition and actions.

This deeper understanding reveals our true need for a Savior, one who can not only forgive our sinful actions but also change our very lawless heart.

God’s desire is to bring us into complete harmony with His law of love. He wants to free us from the power of sin, not just its consequences. And that freedom begins with recognizing the true nature of sin, both in our actions and in the condition of our hearts.

Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out the related video below.