"Mistakes" & "Sin"; the difference is crucial

In a writers group we were discussing different kinds of struggles and I started to write about "mistakes and sin" in one of my replies but realized it did not apply to our discussion.
At the same time, though, I realized this topic of "mistakes and sin" is an important issue in the church world so I cut and pasted it into my MS Notebook, to be used later.


"Mistakes" & "Sin";
the difference is crucial


I hope my using the word sin does not offend any body.
I have noticed the last few years that some preachers are even saying words like "mistakes" instead of calling sin, sin.

If I innocently give wrong change that is a mistake.
If I were to purposely distract and confuse a cashier then claim that I gave a larger bill so as to get back more change then I deserve; that is sin. It is the sin of lying, of dishonesty, and of stealing.
I have never done that but I have heard stories of that.

If I am discussing something that I did or went through and get some details wrong because I do not remember clearly that is a mistake.
If I purposely exaggerate how good something is to make myself look better or even intentionally exaggerate how bad something is to get sympathy, either way it is deception which is sin and not "just a mistake".

This post a brief but important thought.

Conclusion:

Not all mistakes need to be repented of
but ALL SIN requires sincere REPENTANCE.

Jesus forgives those with a repentful heart.
Read Psalm 51.
Look up what John the Baptizer preached.
Use your concordance and look up words like
repent,
repentful,
repentance,
and repenting

Any person doing a word study on repent and the different forms of that Word will see for Jesus to forgive us we need to acknowledge our sin not only as mistakes but as sin.
We can not repent of sin that we refuse to acknowledge.

Thank God that even as Christians if we do stumble then (when we repent) Jesus is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us.

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 KJV

Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Bill