8. What alternative definition of sin has been put forward in recent times? Romans 14:23, last part.
NOTE: Thus the advocates of this view claim that, provided a person has faith, his actions will not be sinful. And it is certainly true that actions committed without a personal faith in Jesus Christ may well be sinful, though not always. If a person holds a door open for someone else, is that action sinful because that person doesn’t believe in God? But those who use this verse to frame a new definition of sin are committing a logical fallacy, confusing a definition with an example. To illustrate, one may define a cat as a four-footed carnivore. But to turn that statement around and say that a four-footed carnivore is a cat is no longer a definition, but merely an example, for there are many other four-footed carnivores which are not cats! It is important to see the difference between “sin is …” and “… is sin.” Thus stealing is sin but sin is not always stealing; it may be lying, coveting, blaspheming, etc. But sin is always the transgression of God’s law.
9. Why do people try to invent alternative definitions for sin?
NOTE: ‘The natural heart rebels against the requirements of God’s law. It was the law against which Satan fought in heaven, and those who are controlled by him will hate its principles. But let them remember that, when they cast reproach at the law, they cast reproach at Him with whom the law originated. He who while trampling on the law of God claims that Christ has forgiven his sins, knows not of what he is talking. John declares that sin is the transgression of the law. If there were no law, there would be no sin. Those who claim to love Christ, while at the same time they refuse to obey Him, are like fountains which send forth impure water. Professing to follow Christ, they do the work of the adversary. Their faith is dead; for it is unsupported by good works. They can no more be saved by their faith than can the fallen angels, who believe and tremble, by their faith.’ Signs of the Times, July 31, 1901.