But now apart from the law the righteousness of God although it is attested by the law and the prophets has been disclosed namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:21-24
Sin is when we do not live in a right relationship with God and our neighbors. Sin colors everything we do especially when we are unaware of it. Sin causes us to turn inward on ourselves becoming self-interested, self-focused, and self-protective instead of looking to God and serving our neighbors. We confess and believe that only Jesus Christ was born and lived without sin. When we talk about sin in the Church we refer to Original (Universal) Sin, Individual Sin, and Corporate Sin. Original Sin refers to the fact that every person is already born in bondage to sin. Individuals commit sins against God: neglecting time to worship and praise God, worshiping idols instead of God, etc. We also commit sins against neighbor which can take many forms: adultery, stealing, lying, cheating on a test, bullying, etc. Corporate sin of all humanity which can take many forms: racism, sexism, discrimination, etc. Though Sin is a powerful force the good news we celebrate as Christians is that no matter how great a sinner someone is the love of God is greater, and Jesus Christ our Redeemer puts us in a right relationship with God and our neighbors as a free gift of love.
"Fourth, the forgiveness of sins is something promised on account of Christ." - Apology of the Augsburg Confession Article 4
