For many people, the term “sin” focuses on explicit actions, the wrong actions we take, or the right actions we neglect. But what’s the best way to understand what we’re doing when we sin—going beyond our actions to our hearts?

Because the Bible portrays people as responsible beings, called to respond in faith and obedience to God’s revelation, the Bible often portrays sin in terms of defiance and rebellion toward God the King. 

Isaiah 1:2 is one of many passages that describes sin in terms of rebellion against God: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.” Seen in this light, sin is personal and willful disobedience, the raising of a clenched fist toward the One who made us.