The Westminster Shorter Catechism’s answer to Question 14 states, “Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.” To clarify that, here is an alternative definition: “Sin is an infinite, catastrophic failure to live and act according to God’s holy character, the result of which is warfare against the Creator and disharmony in human relationships, and which merits death – the infinite, eternal justice and wrath of almighty God.” Did you know that is what sin really is?


Sin is infinite because it offends an infinite God. It’s catastrophic because human science will never come up with a cure. Sin merits eternal death – separation from the love and mercy of God – because it distorts and denies God’s image in us. It is not only negative – doing what we shouldn’t do. It is also positive – not doing what we should do. But God has provided an answer! Our Lord Jesus lived the life we should have lived and died the death we should have died, taking our sin upon Himself.
What a Savior!