1.7 Transgression

What is transgression? It means to go beyond. To pass over the limits God has set for us. Transgression is sin. It was around this time, as a middle school student, that I first heard this clear definition of the word "transgression," and the idea stuck with me. I was learning that God's laws protect and shelter us, and I was learning and seeing that I had a choice to stay in them or go beyond. No one could make me do what was right, and no one could force me to do what was wrong, either. I witnessed several of my friends going beyond God's limits and dealing with the consequences. At this time, I also began considering what to do when others did transgress against God, and what to say to them (and myself) about the importance of staying, not straying.

• 2 John 9
• 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son
• Hebrews 10:26-27
• 26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
• 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.
• Galatians 6:1-2
• 1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
• 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

In the NKJV, the 2 John passage uses the word "transgresseth." The NASB gives the literal meaning - going too far. When we are tempted by our desires (James 1:14-15), we have two options. We can flee and escape, staying in God's paths, (1 Corinthians 10:13-14) or we can wander - away from God, and soon past the boundaries of His law. God's laws are a wall around us - going past them often brings devastating physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. When we transgress those boundaries, we become trespassers - God's people walking in the world, where we should not be. If we love God and are focused on Him, if He lives in us and we are dedicated to choosing Him, we will stay within the boundaries He sets for us. We will be transformed to be like Him, not be drawn away to the world.

If we learn of Jesus's sacrifice and continue to transgress, there is nowhere we can turn other than to Jesus to cleanse us of our sins. The old testament does not hold the answer. Other religions do not hold the answer. A life of good deeds does not hold the answer. Jesus is the only sacrifice for our sins. If we don't turn to Him, we can expect nothing except judgement, because we become an ungrateful, rebellious enemy of God. God has given us everything we need. He has given us mercy beyond comprehension. He has given us the greatest Gift ever known. If we choose the world, rather than God's ways, we have snubbed His mercy and gift. No wonder the language of Hebrews 10 is so strong!

Finally, we must be on guard against sin even after we have turned to Christ. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to help restore those who do stumble into sin, bringing them back to God's way. We are told to go to them with a gentle spirit, not approaching them with pride or disdain. But as we do so, we have to watch that we are influencing them towards Christ, and not allowing them to pull us away. We want to stay in God's paths! By walking in them, we train our hearts to know and love him, and we learn to live a righteous life. If we leave His paths to chase anything else, we have gone too far, and need to return to Him.