Sin simply means not following God’s law. God’s law is summarized in the Ten Commandments, which focus on loving God and loving one’s neighbor.

20 Sins in the Bible

Studying these commandments, believers can recognize their sins, feel guilty, and trust Jesus for forgiveness, ultimately finding peace.

First Sin: Unbelief and Self-Worship (Commandment 1)

The first commandment instructs worshiping God alone: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). Unbelief is a sin because one cannot worship God without believing in Him. Existential fear is also a sin because it reflects a lack of trust in God.

Faith means trust, and if one worries about life, it suggests they are not trusting God’s plan. Jesus tells us not to worry about life, as God cares for us: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink” (Matthew 6:25). Additionally, self-worship is a sin, encompassing pride, selfishness, and narcissism. Worshiping oneself is wrong because humans are sinners, while God is perfect.

Second Sin: Idolatry in the Heart (Commandment 2)

The second commandment prohibits making idols or false gods: “You shall not make for yourself an idol” (Exodus 20:4). While this includes not crafting a golden calf, idolatry can be internal. For instance, if one loves money, social status, or sex more than God, that becomes idolatry: “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). It is not wrong to desire these things.

However, idolatry occurs when one elevates them to an ultimate position. Additionally, worshiping God in the wrong way, like using a golden calf to worship Him, is sinful. God determines how He should be worshiped.

Third Sin: Blasphemy and Misusing God’s Name (Commandment 3)

The third commandment forbids misusing God’s name: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:7). Blasphemy is serious because God’s name is sacred and worthy of respect. Using God’s name as a curse word or casually is wrong, as is joking about God.

Sacred things, in any culture, should not be mocked. Also, using God’s name for selfish gain, like the Prosperity Gospel preachers who exploit people, is a grievous sin: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). Using God’s name to defend foolish beliefs, such as a flat Earth theory, can also be seen as blasphemy.

Fourth Sin: Neglecting the Sabbath (Commandment 4)

The fourth commandment calls for observing the Sabbath: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8). The Sabbath is a day dedicated to the Lord, and failing to attend church or rest on this day is a violation. Rest is a crucial part of the commandment, and even laziness is a form of breaking it. If one genuinely cares about God and rests, they will prioritize it.

Fifth Sin: Disrespecting Authority (Commandment 5)

The fifth commandment requires honoring parents: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). Disrespecting or disobeying parents, even if they are flawed, is a sin because God has established earthly authorities like parents and governments: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). These authorities are imperfect, but God ordains them to maintain order and prevent societal collapse.

Sixth Sin: Hatred as Murder (Commandment 6)

The sixth commandment prohibits murder: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). However, Jesus teaches that hatred or unjust anger towards someone is also sinful, as it leads to murder in the heart: “Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22). Abortion, too, is considered murder and should be treated as such.

Seventh Sin: Adultery and Lust (Commandment 7)

The seventh commandment forbids adultery: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). However, Jesus teaches that even lustful thoughts are a violation:

“Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery” (Matthew 5:28). Divorce also violates the marriage covenant and is thus a seventh commandment violation. Adultery extends to any sexual act outside the marriage covenant, including pornography and fornication.

Eighth Sin: Stealing and Gossip (Commandment 8)

The eighth commandment prohibits stealing: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). This applies not only to physical theft but also to unethical practices like scams or business misconduct. Gossip is also a form of stealing, as it robs someone of their reputation: “Do not go about spreading slander among your people” (Leviticus 19:16).

Ninth Sin: Lying and False Witness (Commandment 9)

The ninth commandment forbids bearing false witness: “You shall not give false testimony” (Exodus 20:16). Lying about others is as harmful as committing the wrong yourself.

Jesus teaches that we will be judged by every word we speak: “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).

Tenth Sin: Envy and Sinful Desires (Commandment 10)

The tenth commandment instructs against coveting: “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Envy is sinful, whether directed at someone’s possessions or relationships.

The deeper meaning of this commandment is that sin begins in the heart. Even if someone refrains from sinful actions, harboring sinful desires still violates God’s law. Thus, this commandment applies to all others, urging believers to avoid desiring sin.

Ten More Sins Rooted in the Commandments

  • Pride (Commandment 1): Pride is self-worship. “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18).
  • Selfishness (Commandment 1): Selfishness puts self above God. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition” (Philippians 2:3).
  • Narcissism (Commandment 1): Narcissism is a form of self-worship. “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3).
  • Worshiping Money (Commandment 2): Idolizing wealth. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
  • Worshiping Social Status (Commandment 2): Prioritizing status over God. “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).
  • Laziness on the Sabbath (Commandment 4): Neglecting purposeful rest. “The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27).
  • Anger Without Cause (Commandment 6): Unjust anger is heart-murder. “In your anger do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26).
  • Fornication (Commandment 7): Sex outside marriage is a sin. “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
  • Pornography (Commandment 7): Visual lust is adultery. “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery” (Matthew 5:28).
  • Gossip as Slander (Commandment 8): Stealing someone’s reputation. “Do not spread slander among your people” (Leviticus 19:16).

If one feels guilty after reflecting on these sins, it is a sign that the law has done its work. The law exposes sin and directs individuals to trust in Jesus for forgiveness.

Christianity is not about following a strict set of rules; it is about recognizing that people will always fall short but can find redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. No matter how many sins one has committed, faith in Jesus, who died for those sins, brings forgiveness and restoration.