Sin: Acts of transgression against divine law. It is taught that man is by nature a lover of truth and righteousness. Brigham Young stated, “It is, however, universally received by professors of religion as a Scriptural doctrine that man is naturally opposed to God. This is not so” (Journal of Discourses 9:305). Third Mormon President John Taylor said, “In fact, as the President [Young] stated here not long ago, it is not natural for men to be evil” (Journal of Discourses 10:50). According to Mormon teaching, there are times when transgression is not considered a sin, such as in the case of Adam in the Garden of Eden.

In the Bible, sin is synonymous with transgression (1 John 3:4). Sin permeates all of mankind; it is an innate part of man’s nature. King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 9:3, “The heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live.” Psalm 14:2-3 says, “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek after God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” A man transgresses revealed law because he is by nature a transgressor. Just as a dog acts like a dog, so too, a sinner will act like a sinner. Upon faith in the true Jesus, a person is transformed into a new creature in Christ and is given the power to overcome sin (Romans 6:14). For a related article, click here.

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