Sin
Falling short of who we’re meant to be — missing the mark, not just breaking rules.
A little more
The most common biblical word for sin literally means “missing the mark,” like an arrow falling short of a target. Sin is bigger than a list of bad actions — it describes a deeper condition: living independently of God, self-focused rather than God-focused.
Christians believe sin affects everyone, damages relationships with God and other people, and can’t simply be balanced out with enough good behaviour. This is precisely why Christianity centres on grace rather than self-improvement.
Read it for yourself
- Romans 3:23Paul: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”