What Is Sin? How Grace Works - A Straight Answer from 1 John 3:4 (KJV)

Posted May 11, 2025 | End Times Watch

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” —1 John 3:4 (KJV)

In today’s world of moral confusion and shifting cultural values, many are left asking, “What exactly is sin?” Is it simply being unkind? Is it going against social expectations? Is it just a mistake?

The Bible doesn’t leave us guessing.

The Apostle John gives us a clear and sobering definition: “Sin is the transgression of the law.” In other words, sin is breaking God’s law—not man’s law, not social customs, but God’s perfect moral standard.

What Is “the Law”?

The “law” refers to God’s commandments, which reflect His holy character and His will for our lives. These include the Ten Commandments, Jesus’ teachings (such as loving God and loving our neighbor), and the instructions given through the apostles.

To transgress the law is to rebel against God’s authority. It’s not just a minor slip-up—it’s a deliberate offense against our Creator. Whether it’s lying, stealing, pride, hate, or lust, sin is choosing our way over God’s way.

Why This Definition Matters

Our culture often redefines sin or dismisses it altogether. But if we don’t see sin for what it truly is—lawlessness before a holy God—then we can’t begin to understand our desperate need for salvation.

Sin isn’t just about hurting others or failing socially. It’s about violating the perfect standards of the One who made us. That makes it serious.

But There Is Hope

While 1 John 3:4 defines the problem, the very next verse offers the solution:

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” —1 John 3:5 (KJV)

Jesus Christ came to take away our sins. The law reveals our guilt, but the cross reveals God’s mercy. This is the heart of the gospel: we are lawbreakers, but Jesus bore our punishment so we could be forgiven.

Living in Truth and Grace

Knowing what sin is doesn’t mean living in shame—it means living in truth. When we acknowledge our need for grace, we can walk in freedom by following Jesus.

As John later writes:
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him…” —1 John 3:9 (KJV)

The life of a believer is not marked by perfection, but by repentance, growth, and transformation. Sin may still trip us up, but our direction changes. We pursue righteousness, not rebellion.

Don’t let the world tell you what sin is. Let God’s Word speak. And when it convicts you, don’t run away—run to the cross. That’s where lawbreakers like us find forgiveness, healing, and new life.

The Natural Man vs. the New Creation

Scripture describes the “natural man” as someone who hasn’t been spiritually reborn.
“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him…” —1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)

The natural man is spiritually blind, governed by fleshly desires, worldly thinking, and pride. He may seem moral, religious, or intelligent—but without the Holy Spirit, he remains separated from God and under the curse of sin.

Only through faith in Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit can a person become a new creature, awakened to truth and empowered to walk in righteousness.

The Simple Gospel

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not complicated. We often overthink it, but the truth is simple:

1. God loves us and created us to have a relationship with Him.
2. We all sin, and that separates us from God.
3. Jesus lived a perfect life and died on the cross to pay the price for our sins.
4. He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death, offering us eternal life.
5. Anyone who believes in Jesus, turns from sin, and trusts Him as Lord and Savior is forgiven, made right with God, and promised eternal life.

You don’t earn salvation by being good—it’s a gift of grace. All God asks is for you to believe, repent, and receive.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” —Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

Why Repentance Matters

So, if salvation is by grace, why does repentance matter?

Because real faith leads to a changed heart. Here’s how it works:

• Grace is the gift of salvation.
• Faith is how we receive it.
• Repentance is the evidence that we’ve truly received it.

Repentance isn’t just saying “I’m sorry.” It’s a turning of the heart—a deliberate move away from sin and toward God. When we truly believe in Jesus, we begin to hate the sin that separates us from Him.

Repentance doesn’t earn salvation—it proves it.

Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a saved heart reveals signs of transformation (Luke 6:44). Not perfection, but direction. Not self-righteousness, but a deep desire to live for Christ.

In Summary:

• Sin is breaking God’s law.
• Grace is God’s gift of forgiveness through Jesus.
• Faith receives that gift.
• Repentance is the evidence of a heart changed by grace.

Salvation is simple, but it’s life-changing. The gospel isn’t about being good enough—it’s about trusting the One who is. So, believe, repent, and receive. Let the grace of God transform your life from the inside out.

Thank you for supporting my writings. Stay up to date with the scripture/news of the end times, and ask others to subscribe to our free blog www.EndTimesWatch.blog.

May you Trust God to be with you today, and always. Much Love and Prayers headed your way.

River Wilde