Appendix 1I; Cycle of Sin
One way a humble Christian explains the definition of sin is by combining some key Bible scriptures;
1 Thessalonians 2:4, John 5:30, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 11:6, Romans 8:5-8, 12:1-3 to say this:
An action taken that pleases yourself instead of selecting a behavioral option that pleases God.
In looking at it from this perspective, you can expand the definition to include this:
Sin is a rebellion against God's authority in a certain area of your behavior that is motivated by selfish desires that will cause anxiety (a psychological consequence) as well as physical consequences (up to and including limitations on your freedom) because of the universal laws laid out in Galatians 6:7 (you reap what you sow in this life) and Matthew 5:45 (God's supremacy affects all people).
Sin, scripturally defined, in it's simplest form:
James 1:13-15, 1 John 2:15-17.
God's antidote for sin: Colossians 1:19-22, James 1:25.
The cycle of man’s sin and God’s merciful response:
Deuteronomy 4:25-31, 31:20, Judges 2:18-20, Isaiah 55:6-7
*19Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 20 He sent out his Word and healed them and delivered them from their destruction. 21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and tell of his deeds in songs of joy (Psalm 107:19-22).
Man’s free will and the sovereignty of God live together in tension, for a season, to work in you the will to do God’s good pleasure (Philippians 2:13, 2:2-9). The first step in your transformation into a Child of God happens from a change in your thoughts; you look to God to grant you everlasting life. The second follows with physical actions that prove your decision to learn and act out Holy habits; you are revealing with your actions that you honor God's will before your own. This decision can be observed in your life by relying on God's Holy Spirit to strengthen you to carry out these righteous habits while in the midst of a sin-filled world (Ephesians 5:17). Man's transformation in Spirit, soul and body pleases God (Deuteronomy 10:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:1).
The difference between a fool and a wise man is what he chooses to learn and do. Disciples of Christ learn to balance the fear and love of the Lord (as discussed in "The Art of Self-Mastery"), so this proper attitude influences your behavioral choices. Being wholly at peace in this life means that your renewed spirit and soul (mind, will, emotions & imaginations) are cognitively consistent and control the body to follow the mind - resulting in physically walking the standards of the Triune Christian God out in public. Christian cognitive consistency produces single-mindedness which crystalizes your aim and when you achieve what you set out to do you feel at peace in the joy and peace of the Lord. This is what it looks like to be transformed by God. It's a decision to be loyal to God and it's proven by your behavioral integrity - a trait that comes with time, understanding and maturity as a Christian (Appendix 2R and Appendix 1S).
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Christ died for all, but only those who receive this gift with gratitude will become mature children of God. Upon acceptance of the gift of Christ in you, your heart-felt thanksgiving births a willing choice to renew your mind which transforms your attitude and behavior. (Christ's Holy Spirit works within you to motivate this transformation - spirit, soul and body.) It's this renewal, this heart transformation, where you choose to die to self and live for Christ that breaks your cycle of sin. You are a new creation in Christ and this security is proof of
God's love for you which drives your motivation for God-honoring ABC's (Ephesians 2:4-5, 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:14-17).
What is your cross? (Pride, independence, public approval?) Are you willing to carry your cross, and ShinE the light of God's love in you, a willing vessel, so others can see and find this gift too (Matthew 13:44-46, Luke 9:22-23, Colossians 3:10, 1 Peter 2:12)?
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Read more about self-sacrificial love in Appendix 2T.