Posted on 07/21/2015 5:38:30 AM PDT by Gamecock
The Westminster Catechism defines sin as “any want of conformity to or transgression of the law of God.” We notice here that sin is defined both in negative and positive terms. The negative aspect is indicated by the words “want of conformity.” It points to a lack or failure in moral performance. In popular terms it is called a sin of omission. A sin of omission occurs when we fail to do what God commands us to do.
The positive aspect of the catechetical definition of sin refers to overt, actual stepping over the boundaries of God’s law. It is a sin of commission.
Sometimes God expresses His laws in negative terms (do not …) and sometimes in positive terms (do …). The Ten Commandments contain both forms (do not steal; honor your father and mother).
Both sins of omission and sins of commission are real sins. They incur real guilt. When we do what God forbids, we are guilty of a sin of commission; when we fail to do what God commands, we are guilty of a sin of omission. In both cases the law of God is violated.
Coram Deo
Prayerfully examine your life for sins of omission or commission.
Passages for Further Study
James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Psalm 51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Amen. I would enjoy seeing this thread become a regular thing.
So many people seem to think that sinning is doing the don’t’s and if they they don’t do the don’t’s, they’re good to go.
But not doing what God has commanded to DO, is also sin.
Everything we do is tainted by sin.
It would leave us in a place of complete frustration and despair were it not for the fact that we do not depend on our righteousness to have right standing before God but rather, we depend on the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, credited to our account.
Praise God for His mercy and grace.
Amen!
Hoss
Good points. Thanks.
I am reminded that the only unforgivable sin (MT 12:31-32, MK 3:28-30, LK 12:10) is a sin of commission, and more specifically, a sin of attribution: That is, to see the hand of God at work and say it is the work of the Devil.
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