WLC 24

Q24. What is sin?

Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature.

Proof texts

• 1 John 3:4 — [4] Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
• Gal. 3:10,12 — [10] For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” [12] But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 1 John 3:4 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q13 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WCF 6.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q13 · WCF 6.1 · HC Q3 · BC 4.1 · BC 4.2 · 1689 6.1 · 1689 6.2 · 1689 6.3 · 1689 6.4 · 1689 6.5