8 A Look in the New Testament Even though all of us sin because we are sinners, some of the words related to sin in both the Old Testament and New Testament emphasize the attitude rather than the action. Both are wrong before God. But as we saw earlier, one is the root and the other is the fruit. Therefore, the first two words in our list from the New Testament emphasize an attitude against God more than an action against man and focus on inward corruption or a perversion of character. • Adikia—“unrighteousness; iniquity” (Acts 1:18; Romans 1:18; 6:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:19; 2 Peter 2:15, etc.) • Poneria—“evil; degeneration; wickedness” (Matthew 12:39; 16:4; 18:32; Luke 6:35; 11:26; 19:22; Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:2; 2 John 11, etc.) In contrast, the following three definitions of sin imply a transgression of an objective moral standard revealed by God, either a standard we failed to reach or a line we deliberately crossed. Since we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27), these moral codes are written on our hearts (Romans 2:15). Therefore, all mankind is “without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
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