4.3 Sin and guilt

4.3 Sin and guilt The Bible uses the terms “sin” and “guilt” interchangeably in some cases, and with different meanings in others. The distinction between these two con- cepts is clearly shown in the words of the Son of God when He defended His disciples who, by the interpretation of the Pharisees, had broken the law and thus committed a sin: “Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath [that is they sin by breaking the Third Commandment], and are blameless?” (Matthew 12: 5). 4.3.1 Sin Sin is everything that is opposed to God’s will and contrary to God’s being. Every sin separates from God. To restore a close relationship with Him, the sin must be forgiven (see 12.1.8). Neither the Old nor the New Testament offers a self-contained “doctrine of sin” or a systematic and exhaustive “catalogue of sins”. God Himself always defines what is right by revealing His will. It is ad- visable for man to inquire into God’s will and to act accordingly. All words, deeds, and deliberate thoughts that are contrary to God’s will and being are sins, just as it is also a sin to intentionally neglect to do good (James 4: 17). Holy Scripture describes the following as “sins”: any violation of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 20), the breaking of vows made to God (Deuteronomy 23: 22), refusal to believe in Christ (John 16: 9), as well as avarice, envy, and the like. The exclusive deciding factor in assessing whether a deed is sinful or not is the divine will—as manifested in Holy Scripture, as corresponds to the mind and spirit of the gospel of Christ, and as revealed by the Holy Spirit. By no means may humans take it upon themselves to define what constitutes a sin. All human beings in their various circumstances of life are accountable to God and themselves, and thus bear personal responsibility for their conduct. 177 4 Mankind in need of redemption 4.3.2 Guilt Whenever human beings violate God’s will, they sin and thereby incur guilt before God. Guilt is manifest when God in His righteousness and omnis- cience holds this misconduct against an individual who has committed a sin. The magnitude of guilt incurred can only be measured by God. The extent of such guilt may vary: the knowledge and motivation of the sinner with regard to his actions are decisive factors here. Likewise, certain influences to which human beings are exposed may play a role, such as their general circumstances of life, social structures, statutory norms, emergency situations, and pathological dispositions. The guilt incurred by a particular sin may in one case be virtually non-existent, while in another case, it may be so severe as to “cry out to God” (Genesis 4: 10). From all of this it is clear that guilt, in contrast to sin, can be relativised. God, in His love, wishes to redeem human beings from sin, and free them from guilt. The sacrifice of Christ, the epitome of divine salvific activity, serves to this end. SUMMARY Sin and guilt must be distinguished from one another. (4.3) Sin is everything that opposes the will of God and runs counter to His nature. Every sin separates from God and must be forgiven. Whether or not some- thing is a sin lies exclusively in the divine will. By no means can human beings define on their own what constitutes sin. (4.3.1) Guilt is incurred when God in His righteousness and omniscience holds the misconduct of a human being against him when he has committed a sin. The seriousness of the guilt incurred can vary. God alone measures it. In contrast to sin, guilt can be relativised. (4.3.2) 178