Things Jesus said about Sin

Sin as it is described in the Bible is probably something most people don't want to talk about or perhaps even admit is real. Is it outdated with no meaning today? Here are some of the things Jesus said about Sin.

The following verses give the basis of Jesus teaching about Sin. Fundamentally, sin is that which opposes God. It is doubting God; disbelieving God; living for ourselves and not God. Man is naturally sinful: it is the condition of man and not something caused by anything external. It is an internal predisposition which results in actions and thoughts which are not holy and righteous and loving. Sin as a condition of man leads to man committing sins which are always against what God wants for man. God holds man responsible for sin but offers forgiveness through Jesus his Son.

A selection of Bible Verses about Sin

1. Personal responsibility:

Here Jesus teaches that man is personally responsible for sin and according to the measure of revelation received. Jesus does not really define sin, but it appears that he is saying sin is disobedience to do that which we know is good or Godly or even more simply; that which is in opposition to God. We know from other scriptures that all have sinned (Romans 3:23 and Psalms 14:3) so all people have some measure of the knowledge of God and his laws. We all carry responsibility for rejecting these laws. From the beginning, God has revealed himself and his laws and now Jesus who is truth and light has come into the world revealing God in perfect clarity. In rejecting Jesus, and therefore rejecting the Father, sin is revealed all the more.

Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains."
John 9:41

If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me, hates my Father also. If I hadn't done amongst them the works which no one else did, they wouldn't have had sin. But now they have seen and also hated both me and my Father.
John 15:22-24

2. Perfect Obedience Demanded:

Here Jesus teaches that only perfect obedience is good enough to be without sin. The scribes and Pharisees were held as the most righteous of people. But their righteousness was not enough. Only the righteousness of Jesus was perfect and sinless.

For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:20

3. Action and Motive are involved:

Because sin is opposition to God our motives and thoughts are involved, and not just actions.

"You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall not murder;' and 'Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgement.' But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgement. Whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
Matthew 5:21,22

4. Bondage to Sin:

By choosing to oppose God we find sin becomes our master.

Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.
John 8:34

5. Refusal to listen to the Holy Spirit:

If we refuse to listen to the Spirit's conviction of sin and refuse to repent then there is no forgiveness.

Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of man will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme; but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation."
Mark 3:28,29

When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgement; about sin, because they don't believe in me; ...
John 16:8,9

6.Forgiveness of Sin:

Jesus has the authority to forgive sin through the shedding of his blood. His death and resurrection are the reason that remission of sins can be preached.

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-" (then he said to the paralytic), "Get up, and take up your mat, and go to your house."
Matthew 9:6

He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
Luke 7:48-50

He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, "All of you drink it, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins."
Matthew 26:27,28

He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:46,47