0784. 766. Sin Is a “Trespass”

766. Sin Is a “Trespass”

Sin is a deviation, a lapse, a falling aside from God’s requirement. The word rendered “trespasses” in Mat_6:14 (paraptoma) is translated “sins” in Eph_1:7; Eph_2:1, Eph_2:5; “offence” in Rom_5:15-16, Rom_5:17-18, Rom_5:20; “fault” in Gal_6:1; Jas_5:16; and “fall” in Rom_11:11. As a man who slips aside from the path falls into the ditch to his hurt, so the sinner by his deviation from the will of God has lapsed from the truth and trespassed against the God of Truth. Let us take each of the above words in their setting, for they illustrate the meaning of the word “trespass.”

1. Every offence against God’s Word means a fall from God, and damage to us and to others. See the word “offence” in Rom_4:25; Rom_5:15.

2. Every departure from God means a fall from the Divine purpose. See what the Spirit says about the “fall” of Israel in Rom_11:11, Rom_11:12.

3. Every sin committed is a medium to convey spiritual death and condemnation. See the description of the condition of the Colossian and Ephesian believers before conversion—Col_2:13; Eph_2:1, Eph_2:5.

4. Every slip from the path of right and duty is damaging to the one who slips. See the word “fault” in Gal_6:1 and Jas_5:16.

5. Every trespass is a falling aside from God Himself, and is an affront to Him, which He alone can forgive, but which He does when He acts in grace, for He “forgives our trespasses” through the Blood of Christ’s satisfying and vicarious death. See the word “trespass” and “sins” in Mat_6:15; 2Co_5:19; Eph_1:7; Col_2:13.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH