What Is the Meaning of 1 John 3:4: “Sin Is the Transgression of the Law”?

Is it a sin to gamble? To dance? To see a movie or play cards? 

The answer, it seems, varies depending on which brand of Christianity you follow. 

But should it? If there is one Bible, why are there so many conflicting interpretations among Bible believers? 

This blog post aims to cut through the confusion and provide a scriptural definition of sin based on the verse that gives the clearest explanation: 1 John 3:4. But first, some context is necessary.

Behind the scenes of 1 John 3:4

Most commentaries note that 1 John was written to address the gnostic epidemic that had begun to take root in the early Church. Gnosticism was a developing heresy that considered physical matter to be evil—a view that could result in either extreme asceticism or hedonism.  

While it’s not possible to identify the exact version John was facing, this much can be said: false teachings that minimized sin were spreading rapidly under the guise of Christianity. And the implications were too serious for John to be silent.

Thinking of sin as just a few bad habits ignores the gravity of what it causes and why God condemns it. Heretics were trying—and apparently succeeding—to stamp out certain foundational beliefs of “the faith which was once for all delivered” by Jesus Christ (Jude 1:3). Members were becoming confused, and some no doubt were falling away from the truth. 

John reminded the disciples of the importance of not being deceived. He instructed them three times on how to identify a liar. His intent was simple: show the brethren how to distinguish between genuine Christians and impostors, between true preachers and false teachers, between brothers and traitors.

Many signs could have given the impostors away, but a major one was how they viewed sin. Did they forbid sin or indulge in it? What did the fruit of their lives say? 

While true disciples of Christ would know that sin must be avoided at all costs, the gnostics would justify sin through an array of intellectual arguments. 

These circumstances likely caused John to address the topic of sin—what it is and why it should be avoided. As an apostle and defender of Jesus’ words, he had the job of keeping the Church on the straight and narrow path. That meant clearly defining the beliefs and actions that fell outside of it—sin.  

This is the context of 1 John 3:4.

A definition of sin

Given that God condemns sin and established a penalty for it (Romans 6:23), we can be very thankful that He also clearly defines it. 

What is sin? 

Under God’s inspiration, John gave a clear-cut definition: “Sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). Or, as the King James Version says, “Sin is the transgression of the law.” 

Both translations are helpful, highlighting that sin encompasses both specific actions and a lifestyle that includes such actions. If something breaks the law, it’s sin.  

But note something important. Sin is not breaking just any law—sin is breaking the law. 

So which law is “the law”? Paul actually clarifies this in his letter to the Romans: “I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet’” (Romans 7:7). 

These were not traffic laws or civil laws (though the Bible clearly teaches that Christians should obey civil laws that don’t contradict God’s law, as shown in Romans 13:1-2). It’s not the hundreds of additional man-made laws prescribed in Judaism, which have been wrongly attributed to God. These were the express commandments of Almighty God.

Sin is breaking God’s law.

Sin also includes breaking the spirit of God’s law

And while sin is certainly something one does, it’s not limited to only physical actions. Jesus made it plain that one can sin without ever saying a thing or lifting a finger.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’” He proclaimed. “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28, emphasis added throughout). 

The letter of the law—a literal reading—prohibits adultery. But the spirit of the law—the intent and purpose—goes further and prohibits even the thought of adultery. 

Jesus wanted His followers to be mindful not only of the letter of the law, but also of the spirit of the law. This is because sin is not just outward, it is inward. It is seen in actions, but more often in attitudes, desires and motivations.

The human heart is a breeding ground for sin (Matthew 15:19).

Much more could be said regarding what constitutes sin, but it’s vital to also consider why it should be avoided. What are the consequences of sin?

The three main consequences of sin

Thinking of sin as just a few bad habits ignores the gravity of what it causes and why God condemns it. Consider what Scripture says about sin’s consequences:

Sin separates us from God. As the Creator and Sustainer, God is our one and only lifeline. He has an eternal purpose for mankind—to give us immortality and rulership in His everlasting Kingdom. 

This was the future available to Adam, symbolized by the presence of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. But his disobedience wrecked his potential. As a result of his choice, Adam (and ultimately all of mankind) became estranged from God, enslaved to sin and utterly hopeless of being redeemed on his own. 

Sin has devastating consequences. Heinous crimes have been committed as a result of idolatry and false religion. Adultery causes what is perhaps the most painful and traumatic emotional turmoil a human being could ever experience. Lying breeds mistrust, and wars often erupt due to covetousness. 

These are just a few examples that illustrate how sin inflicts harm and can affect every level of society—from global to national, to state, to community, right down to the family and individual.

The consequences of sin are not always immediate, but they are always certain. No one gets out of sin scot-free. Paul assures us of this: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). 

Sin costs your life. More dire than any physical consequence of sin is the eternal spiritual consequence of sin—the second death (Revelation 21:8). In reality, mankind faces only two possible outcomes: live forever or die forever. Sin earns us the latter. And given that “all have sinned,” everyone has indeed incurred the penalty of eternal death, though it hasn’t yet been exacted (Romans 3:23). (To learn more, read “What Is the Meaning of Romans 6:23: ‘The Wages of Sin Is Death’?”) 

These are some of the bare facts about sin, which are weighty enough to show why it’s condemned from Genesis to Revelation. One could even argue that the whole Bible is a story of why sin must be avoided at all costs. Its implications are enormous and the scriptural warnings regarding sin should be well-heeded.

Navigating what to do after sin

Few today would label themselves gnostics. Still, the idea that men and women can sin with impunity is alive and well among many groups claiming to be Christian. 

As the last apostolic link to Jesus’ earthly ministry, John fought to preserve his Master’s teachings and remind the disciples of something they once knew about sin. His teaching was consistent with the rest of the Bible, calling to mind something God said years earlier to the prophet Malachi: “I am the LORD, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6). 

But the same epistle that comes down on sin like a gavel also gives hope for those who have again become entangled in it. 

John said, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

For those who recognize their own wretchedness, there is a path forward. That path involves repentance and belief in the One who died for our sins.

As Paul said, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25).

To learn how you can be forgiven for your personal breaking of God’s law, read “What Is Forgiveness of Sins?”

Date Posted: April 24, 2024