Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "sinner" refers to an individual who transgresses against the divine law of God. The concept of sin and sinners is central to the biblical narrative, highlighting the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.
Old Testament UnderstandingThe Old Testament frequently addresses the nature of sin and the identity of sinners. In Genesis, the fall of Adam and Eve introduces sin into the world, marking the beginning of humanity's estrangement from God (Genesis 3). The Hebrew word for sin, "chata," implies missing the mark or deviating from the path of righteousness.
The Psalms and Proverbs often contrast the righteous with sinners.
Psalm 1:1-2 states, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." Here, sinners are depicted as those who reject God's law and guidance.
The prophets also address the issue of sin, calling Israel to repentance.
Isaiah 1:18 offers hope: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." This passage underscores God's willingness to forgive sinners who turn back to Him.
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the Greek word for sinner, "hamartolos," is used to describe those who live in opposition to God's will. Jesus' ministry is marked by His interaction with sinners, emphasizing His mission to seek and save the lost. In
Luke 5:32 , Jesus declares, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
The Apostle Paul elaborates on the universality of sin in
Romans 3:23 : "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse highlights the inherent sinful nature of humanity and the need for divine grace.
Paul also addresses the transformation that occurs when a sinner turns to Christ. In
1 Timothy 1:15 , he writes, "This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst." Here, Paul acknowledges his own sinfulness while affirming the redemptive work of Christ.
The Role of Repentance and RedemptionRepentance is a key theme in the biblical understanding of sinners. It involves a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to follow God's commandments.
Acts 3:19 urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away."
The New Testament emphasizes that redemption from sin is made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace."
The Call to HolinessBelievers are called to live lives that reflect their new identity in Christ, striving to avoid sin and pursue holiness.
1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
The Bible presents a clear dichotomy between the life of a sinner and the life of a believer. While all have sinned, the transformative power of Christ offers a path to righteousness and eternal life for those who believe and repent.
Library
TheSinner's Friend
... TheSinner's Friend. A Sermon (No.556). By the. Rev. CH SPURGEON,. At the Metropolitan
Tabernacle, Newington. "A friend of publicans and sinners.""Matthew 11:19...
December the Eighteenth theSinner's Guest
... DECEMBER The Eighteenth THESINNER'S GUEST. "He is gone to be guest with a man that
is asinner." "Luke 19:1-10.... Our Saviour seeks the home of thesinner....
TheSinner's Excuses Answered
... VI. THESINNER'S EXCUSES ANSWERED.... But you resisted God when He tried to persuade
you to have a new heart. O,sinner, how strong you have been to resist God!...
Psalm 17:2. LM TheSinner's Portion, and Saint's Hope; Or, the...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 17:2. LM Thesinner's portion, and saint's
hope; or, The heaven of separate souls, and the resurrection....
Psalm 49:3. LM The RichSinner's Death, and the Saint's...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 49:3. LM The richsinner's death, and
the saint's resurrection. 1 Why do the proud insult the...
TheSinner's Natural Power and Moral Weakness.
... XI. THESINNER'S NATURAL POWER AND MORAL WEAKNESS.... I PROPOSE in my present discourse
to discuss the moral state of thesinner. I. All men are naturally free....
Psalm 17 theSinner's Portion and Saint's Hope; Or, the Heaven of...
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 17 Thesinner's portion and saint's hope; or,
The heaven of separate souls in the resurrection. LM The...
Psalm 49 the RichSinner's Death, and the Saint's Resurrection.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 49 The richsinner's death, and the saint's resurrection.
LM The richsinner's death, and the saint's resurrection....
TheSinner's Prayer Heard.
... TheSinner's Prayer Heard.... Well, this prayer came to the man, and he began, "God
be merciful to me a"," but before he got to "sinner" God blessed him....
TheSinner's Need of Christ
... Chapter 2 TheSinner's Need of Christ.... Thesinner could not be happy in God's presence;
he would shrink from the companionship of holy beings....
Thesaurus
Sinner's (2 Occurrences)...Sinner's (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 13:22 A good man causeth sons' sons to inherit,
And laid up for the righteous 'is' the
sinner's wealth. (YLT RSV NIV).
...Repentance (28 Occurrences)
... 2. Repent-"to Change the Mind": The word metanoeo, expresses the true New Testament
idea of the spiritual change implied in asinner's return to God....
Forgiveness (124 Occurrences)
... In pardoning sin, God absolves thesinner from the condemnation of the law, and
that on account of the work of Christ, ie, he removes the guilt of sin, or the...
Guilty (131 Occurrences)
... 11:27, the word "guilty" is also used in the lesser or more primitive sense, not
primarily as involving blame but as involving thesinner's authorship or...
Faith (769 Occurrences)
... This is the specific act of faith by which asinner is justified before God (Romans
3:22, 25; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9; John 3:16-36; Acts 10:43; 16:31...
Cease (138 Occurrences)
... In the New Testament it illustrates Christ's power over Nature; wind and raging
sea ceased (Luke 8:24); over asinner's heart: "not ceased to kiss my feet...
Sinnest (1 Occurrence)
Sinoffering
... convicted by his conscience of any particular sin, to come with a sin-offering,
we see thus impressively disclosed the need in which everysinner stands of the...
Sin-offering (115 Occurrences)
... convicted by his conscience of any particular sin, to come with a sin-offering,
we see thus impressively disclosed the need in which everysinner stands of the...
Sinners (132 Occurrences)
Resources
What is the sinner's prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is impartation? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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