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There is considerable misunderstanding concerning the biblical concept of sin. Generally, two definitions are commonly cited:
- The "transgression of God's law."
- "Missing the mark," as illustrated by an archer who fails to hit their intended target.
Sin is referenced in scripture in two main contexts:
- A failure in attempting to fulfill God's will.
- A deliberate choice to pursue a life contrary to God's guidance. The former may describe a Christian who strives to walk in the light and remains covered by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7; Romans 4:7-8), whereas the latter refers to one who willfully persists in sinful conduct, thereby forfeiting the benefits of Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 10:25-26).
A significant challenge within the church arises when the first case is equated with apostasy. This view can adversely affect believers' assurance of salvation, implying that continual perfection is required, a notion expressly refuted by John (1 John 1:8). Some assert that every individual sin immediately separates a believer from God until explicit repentance and confession occur, often referencing 1 John 1:9 as support. However, this passage addresses the denial of one's sins - a stance some of these individuals inadvertently adopt by failing to recognize certain instances of "missing the mark" as genuine transgressions.
I have a book on this subject that you can download for free.
https://www.totalhealth.bz/ContinualCleansing.pdf
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