Sin is fundamentally rebellion against God (Romans 1:18-32). Sin is refusing to acknowledge God as God and putting ourselves in the place of God. Sin is any act that does not wholly conform to the will and law of God (1 John 3:4).
Sin incurs God’s wrath. Because God his holy, he will punish sin. God promises that one day he will judge all men and will repay everyone according to what he has done (Romans 2:6-11; Matthew 16:27 . Those who are outside of Christ God will punish with eternal, conscious torment—a severe punishment to fit an infinitely severe crime (Revelation 14:11; Mark 9:48).
Therefore, God’s wrath against our sin is the fundamental human problem. The problem with sin is not primarily that it ruins our relationships, or leads to an unjust society, or keeps us from fulfilling our potential—although it does all that and more. The problem with sin is that it is cosmic treason, and God will execute his righteous judgment on those who rebel against him.
For more great resources from Mark Dever and 9Marks Ministries, visit www.9marks.org