Something to ponder-right?
1 John 3:4 – Defining Sin in Relation to the Law
1 John 3:4 (Lexham Translation):
"Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness."
The word used here for "lawlessness" is
ἀνομία (anomia), which literally means being "without law" or "in violation of the law." This passage defines sin as a direct violation of God's moral law. In Hebrew thought, the Torah (תּוֹרָה), meaning "law" or "instruction," was central to defining what was considered sinful.
Thus, 1 John 3:4 is clear that sin is breaking God's law.
However, this law reveals sin, not as a means of attaining righteousness but as a way of recognizing the nature of sin, as we’ll see in Paul’s writings.
Romans 3:20 – The Role of the Law in Making Us Conscious of Sin
Romans 3:20 (Lexham Translation):
"For by the works of the law no human being will be declared righteous before him, for through the law comes knowledge of sin."
The Greek word for "knowledge" here is
ἐπίγνωσις (epígnōsis),
indicating a full recognition or awareness. Paul’s argument in Romans 3:20 is that δικαιωθήσεται (dikaiōthēsetai), or "being declared righteous," cannot happen through ἔργων νόμου (ergōn nomou), meaning "works of the law."
Instead, the law's primary role is to reveal sin.
This is consistent with 1 John 3:4—
the law exposes our transgressions, showing us our need for salvation. It doesn’t provide righteousness but makes us aware of our ἀνομία (anomia), or lawlessness.
Romans 6:14 – Freedom from Sin’s Power Through Grace
Romans 6:14 (Lexham Translation):
"For sin will not be master over you, because you are not under law but under grace."
In this verse, Paul contrasts two states: being under law
(ὑπὸ νόμον) and being under grace
(ὑπὸ χάριν).
Paul’s Greek here emphasizes the rulership or mastery of sin, where κυριεύσει (kyrieusei) means to "lord over" or have dominion.
Paul is saying that sin no longer has dominion over the believer because they are not subject to the law’s condemnation but rather live under the grace of God through faith in Christ.
Paul consistently teaches that the law was never intended to provide a means of righteousness, as Romans 3:20 showed, but rather to reveal our sinful state.
In Romans 6:14, Paul assures the believer that through grace, not law-keeping, sin loses its hold, because righteousness is now through faith in Christ.
The law's role is not to justify or declare us righteous, but rather to expose sin. @uncle silas.
1. Sin is Lawlessness (1 John 3:4):
Sin is breaking God’s law (anomia). But simply avoiding sin (or transgressing the law) doesn't make someone righteous in God's sight.
2. The Law Makes Us Conscious of Sin (Romans 3:20):
The law serves the purpose of revealing sin. No one will be declared righteous by keeping the law, because its function is diagnostic, not salvific. It shows us our sinful condition, driving us to seek a solution outside ourselves.
3. Freedom from Sin’s Mastery through Grace (Romans 6:14):
Paul argues that the believer is not under the law’s condemnation but is under grace. Sin loses its dominion because the believer’s righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not by their ability to keep the law perfectly.
Galatians 3:10-11 (Lexham Translation):
"For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.' Now it is clear that no one is justified in the sight of God by the law, because 'the one who is righteous will live by faith.'"
Paul reinforces that trying to gain righteousness through the law leads to a curse, as no one can keep it perfectly. Righteousness comes through faith.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (Lexham Translation):
"For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast."
This passage further supports that righteousness and salvation come through faith, not works of the law.
To Paul, the law reveals sin and our inability to achieve righteousness through works. It is grace through faith in Jesus Christ that breaks sin’s hold over us and makes us righteous.
The law cannot condemn a believer who is under grace, because their righteousness is found in Christ’s atoning work, not in their own obedience to the law.
Thanks.
J.
