Q14. What is sin?
Sin is failing to obey God’s law or breaking God’s law.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 John 3:4
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
James 4:17
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
How does the catechism define sin?
- 2
Is sin only doing wrong things, or can it also be failing to do right things?
- 3
Can you think of a time you left something good undone?
Illustration
If your teacher says to bring your homework and you forget, you have not done anything bad. But you failed to do what was required. Sin works the same way. It is both doing what God says not to do and failing to do what God says to do.
Application
Pick one kind thing you know you should do this week, like helping clear the dishes or being patient with a sibling. Ask God to help you not leave that good thing undone.