Harold ZieglerThompsonACS 1000 S08November 7, 2014Sin and TransgressionThroughout the bible there are frequent mentions to a few key concepts that are invaluable to religion as a whole. These key concepts are sin and transgression. Essentially, the two words embody the same idea: evil and lawlessness as defined by God. However, the two words carry slightly different meanings and connotations upon further evaluation (ACS notes).The word 'sin' has been defined as "to miss the mark" and, according to the bible, can refer to a whole array of different scenarios. For instance, sinning could be doing something against god or another human, doing the opposite of what is right, or even failing to do something that one knows is right (ACS notes). Essentially, sin is anything that "falls short of the glory of god" (Romans 3:23). According to the bible, sin leads to a downw ...view middle of the document...
For I have the desire to do what is good, but cannot carry it out" (Romans 7:18). In essence, sinning or wrongdoing is a quality of humans that we cannot change and, thus, in order to stay in good graces with god, we must often repent from our sins (ACS notes).Transgression, on the other hand, is much different. Transgression refers to a type of act that is presumptuous, arrogant, or brazen. Essentially, this brand of misconduct occurs when someone chooses to intentionally disobey rules or codes (ACS notes). David once referred to this type of sin when he wrote "blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered" (Psalm 32:1). Common examples of transgression are when people tell lies, cheat on tests, or even just run a stop sign (Philosophy notes). Basically, when we make the conscious choice to sin, we are committing a transgression. In a way, it could be concluded that the core difference between transgression and sin is that a transgression is a self-conscious wrongdoing that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct while a sin is a wrongdoing that also goes against the core principles and essence of god. The writers of the bible often used different terminology to refer to different types and levels of sinning. For instance, the terms 'sin' and 'transgression' appear very similar on the surface, but are in actuality both unique concepts that, together, help shape the Christian landscape regarding human wrongdoings in society (ACS notes). Sin is anything that doesn't reach up to god's standards of action while transgression is a type of sin that is more or less associated with breaking a law or rule. In the end however, regardless of anything else, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was good enough to protect us from all sins and transgressions so long as we choose to embrace god and repent.Works CitedFilbert, Professor. "Philosophy Class Notes." Villanova University. Lecture.Holy Bible. New Revised Standard Version. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson, 1989. Print.Thompson, Professor. "ACS Class Notes." Villanova University. Lecture.
