Doing God's Will

Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. (Deut. 12:32)

Question 14: What is sin?
Answer: Sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the law of God.[i]
 
When we talk about sin, there are two types of sin, two categories of sin.  There are sins of commission and sins of omission.  Sins of commission are when we commit acts or engage in thoughts which are contrary to God’s law, when we do that which God forbids us from doing.  Thou shall not lie.  Thou shall not steal.  Thou shall not covet.  Thou shall not lust after another person in your heart.  Sins of omission are when we omit or neglect to do that which God commands us to do.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  Pray without ceasing.  Make disciples of all nations.  Wives, submit to your husbands in all things.  Husbands, love your wives in the same way that Christ loves the Church.  Sins of omission are much easier to commit and much easier to overlook.  It is much easier not steal than to love my neighbor as myself.  It is much easier to not murder than to forgive someone who has cause me emotional pain.  Nonetheless, sins of omission are just as grievous in the eyes of God as sins of commission.  And sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the law of God.  Truths such as this are what led Paul to exclaim, “Wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom. 7:24-25).  Thank God we are justified by faith alone in Christ alone! 

[i] “A Catechism with Proofs” by Charles Haddon Spurgeon