Sin is literally a “missing of the mark” (W. E. Vines, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). Sin is referred to in the scriptures as “lawlessness” (1 Jn. 3:4), and “all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 5:17). Righteousness is a standard. Three types of standards exist: Man’s, Society’s and God’s. Man’s standard is when every one does what is right in their own eyes. Such a standard is subjective and characterized by “self-righteousness.” God’s standard is objective and characterized by “knowledge”: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:2-3). Thus, in society, a lawless man does what is right in his own eyes, rejects the accepted righteousness prescribed by the laws of the land, and in so doing misses the mark. In reference to God, a lawless man does what is right in his own eyes, rejects the righteousness of God (God’s laws), and in so doing misses the mark.

        Sin has consequences, physically and spiritually: Consequences that cannot be fixed. When you plant a fruit tree and it bears fruit, you cannot change the fact of its existence and consequent use, be it good or bad. When you speak a word, it bears fruit: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21). Once the word is spoken, you cannot change the fact of its existence and consequent use, be it good or bad.