Yahweh's Assembly in Yahshua - Questions & Answers

Q. What is "Sin?"

A. As we come into a correct understanding of Scripture, we find sin is defined as law breaking. The reality is, however, our understanding can go more in-depth. True, we understand that breaking Yahweh's instructions (law) is sin, as John points out, "...sin is lawlessness," 1 John 3:4b NASB. We comprehend that we are also to obey the laws that man has, which are provided for by Yahweh, as Paul brings forth, "Let every being be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from Elohim, and the authorities that exist are appointed by Elohim. So he who opposes the authority withstands the institution of Elohim, and those who withstand shall bring judgment on themselves," Romans 13:1-2 TS.

For us, man's laws cannot trump Yahweh's. As we see Peter, along with the other Apostles, explaining, "We have to obey Elohim rather than men," Acts 5:29b TS. This, with other matters we become aware of, would be covered by thy following statement: "...to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin," James 4:17 NASB. Deeper yet, is the idea that whatever is not of faith, is, in itself, also sin: "for whatsoever is not of faith is sin," Romans 14:23b KJV. Yet, this is tied to the idea that we are not to disobey our Father's will for us. In context, if we do anything out of our own will, which would be contrary to the faith in Yahweh's will for us, then it is sin to us. This is how faith in Yahshua can actually be defined conceptually as obedience to the Father.