Sin Defined

Children in England used to play a game called "Saints and Sinners." A hoop was erected at a measured distance, and the contestants were given 10 arrows each. The object was to aim them at the hoop. If anyone shot ALL the arrows through it he was acclaimed a "saint." But if he missed just once, he was designated a "sinner." If he missed with all 10 arrows, he was no greater sinner than if he missed with only one! One error was a bad as 10! That was the rule of the game.

The same is true in the spiritual realm. The Lord Jesus Christ never "missed the mark" but kept God's law perfectly. All others have sinned and "come short," so they need Him as their Savior.

-Sermons Illustrated July/August 1990