In this episode of The Reformed Standard, we continue our exploration of the Westminster Shorter Catechism by examining Question 14: “What is sin?” Building upon last week’s discussion of the Fall, this episode sets the stage for understanding the fundamental nature of sin—not merely as mistakes or poor choices, but as something that offends God Himself. The episode challenges modern cultural tendencies to soften or redefine sin through therapeutic language and instead points us toward a biblical understanding. By correctly defining sin, we gain clarity on the true nature of the gospel and Christ’s redemptive work. This episode serves as a thoughtful preparation for the catechism’s forthcoming definition of sin in the next installment.



Key Takeaways




Modern culture has largely replaced the language of sin with softer terms like “mistakes,” “poor choices,” “dysfunction,” or “brokenness,” favoring therapeutic language over moral terminology.



If we misunderstand the definition of sin, we will inevitably misunderstand the nature of the gospel and its solution to our condition.



Sin is not defined primarily by what hurts us, but by what offends God—it is a theological concept before it is psychological or sociological.



Our understanding of sin shapes our response to our own failures—whether we excuse them, blame circumstances, or recognize them as offenses against God.



The proper understanding of sin provides the dark backdrop against which the glory of Christ’s redemptive work shines most brightly.




Key Concepts



The Theological Nature of Sin



Sin must be understood primarily as a theological reality rather than a psychological or sociological one. Modern culture has attempted to redefine sin through therapeutic language—speaking of “mistakes,” “dysfunction,” or “brokenness” rather than moral failure before God. This shift fundamentally changes how we understand human problems. The biblical concept of sin points to an objective standard outside ourselves—God’s own character and law—rather than subjective feelings or cultural norms. Sin is not merely harmful behavior or failure to reach our potential; it represents a breach in our relationship with our Creator. By locating the problem in our standing before God rather than merely in our circumstances or psychology, the Reformed understanding of sin provides the necessary foundation for understanding our need for divine intervention through Christ.



The Connection Between Sin and Gospel



Our definition of sin directly shapes our understanding of the gospel. If sin is merely a feeling of shame, then the gospel becomes nothing more than a message of self-affirmation. If sin is reduced to social injustice, the gospel becomes merely political activism. If sin is simply ignorance, then education alone would be the solution. But the Reformed tradition, following Scripture, understands sin as something deeper and more serious—something forensic that relates to the law and nature of God Himself. This understanding necessitates a more radical gospel—one that addresses guilt, divine wrath, and a broken law. Only when we grasp the true nature of sin can we appreciate the true glory of Christ’s redemptive work. The gospel is not primarily about improving our emotional state or social conditions but about reconciling guilty sinners to a holy God through the perfect work of Christ.



Memorable Quotes



“If you get the definition of sin wrong, you will get the definition of the gospel wrong. If sin is just a feeling of shame, then the gospel is just a message of affirmation… But if sin is something deeper, something forensic, something that relates to the very nature and law of God Himself, then the gospel must be something far more radical.”



“[Sin] is a theological concept before it is a psychological or sociological one… Sin is not defined by what hurts us, but by what offends Him.”



Full Transcript



[00:00:19] Recap of Last Week’s Topic: The Fall of Man



Last week, we looked at the tragic turning point of human history. We saw that our first parents, left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created by sinning against God. We established the fact of the Fall. We are a fallen race, born into the ruins of Adam’s rebellion.



But to say we “sinned” is one thing. To understand what that actually means is another. 



[00:00:44] Understanding Sin in Today’s Culture



We live in a culture that has largely erased this word from its vocabulary. We prefer softer terms. We talk about “mistakes,” “poor choices,” “dysfunction,” or “brokenness.” We speak in the language of therapy rather than the language of morality. We see our problems as a lack of education, a lack of resources, or a result of our environment.



But the Bible insists on a harder, clearer, and ultimately more hopeful diagnosis. It uses a short, sharp, and devastating word: Sin.



And so, the catechism forces us to stop and define our terms. 



[00:01:18] Defining Sin: A Theological Perspective



Before we can talk about the misery of our condition or the glory of our redemption, we must answer a fundamental question: What is sin?



This question is not asking for a list of bad behaviors. It is asking for a definition of the nature of the problem. What is the essence of the thing that separates us from God? Is sin just hurting other people? Is it just a failure to live up to our own potential? Is it just a social construct?



[00:01:46] The Implications of Misunderstanding Sin



If you get the definition of sin wrong, you will get the definition of the gospel wrong. If sin is just a feeling of shame, then the gospel is just a message of affirmation. If sin is just social injustice, then the gospel is just political activism. If sin is just ignorance, then the gospel is just education.



But if sin is something deeper, something forensic, something that relates to the very nature and law of God Himself, then the gospel must be something far more radical. It must be a rescue mission that deals with guilt, with wrath, and with a broken law.



This question forces us to look away from our own feelings and cultural standards and look upward to the standard of God. It reminds us that sin is not defined by what hurts us, but by what offends Him. It is a theological concept before it is a psychological or sociological one.



[00:02:40] Self-Reflection and Preparation for Next Week



So for this week, I want you to audit your own thinking. When you think of your own failures, what language do you use? Do you excuse them as mistakes? Do you blame them on your circumstances? Or do you have a category for sin? As we prepare to hear the catechism’s precise and shattering answer next time, consider the weight of this little word. It is the dark backdrop against which the glory of Christ shines most brightly.



What is sin?

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