Sin is a central theme in the Bible. Scripture tells us that sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience to God’s command in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6). From that point on, sin corrupted all of humanity. As descendants of Adam, we all have a sinful nature that leads us to rebel against God (Romans 5:12).
The Bible describes sin in several ways, one of which is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4 states, “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” So what does it mean that sin is lawlessness? Let’s explore this concept further.
Lawlessness is living without regard for God’s law
God gave us moral laws to live by, most notably the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). When we break God’s laws either in action, attitude, or by neglecting to do what is right, we are being lawless and engaging in sin. Sin is not just doing what is prohibited but also failing to do what is commanded. James 4:17 says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
Lawlessness means we dismiss God’s laws and set up our own rules. We want independence from God and seek autonomy. Like rebellious children, we resist authority and blur the lines between right and wrong. Sin distorts our sense of morality. Jeremiah 6:16 describes lawless people who said, “We will not walk in it.” They deliberately strayed from God’s ways.
Lawlessness elevates self over God
In lawlessness, we put our desires and priorities above God’s. Isaiah 53:6 states, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way.” Our “own way” is often sinful because we exalt ourselves instead of seeking first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
Lawlessness is idolatry because we worship created things over the Creator (Romans 1:25). We covet materials possessions, pursue selfish ambitions, and crave the pleasures of this world. Anything we love more than God essentially becomes our god. Lawlessness is the rejection of God’s rightful place as Lord of our lives.
Lawlessness is rebellion against God’s authority
God is the ultimate lawgiver and judge. When we live in lawlessness, we usurp His authority. We deny His sovereignty and refuse to submit to Him. Like Satan, we want to be unaccountable to God and live independent of Him. This was at the root of the first sin in Eden—Adam and Eve’s defiance of God’s command.
Lawlessness shakes a fist at God’s throne and His right to rule our lives. The lawless person imitates Lucifer’s rebellious declaration, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14). But as Creator, only God has absolute authority. Our attempts at autonomy always lead to disaster.
Lawlessness reflects a heart of unbelief
At its root, lawlessness signals a fundamental mistrust of God and His Word. We minimize, rationalize, or excuse sin because we doubt God’s warnings are true. We think God’s laws unfairly restrict us from what appears fun and exciting. Our lawless hearts call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).
Lawlessness flows from unbelief regarding God’s promises, care, and intentions toward us. We begin to think God is holding out on us. The original temptation appealed to this mistrust, “For God knows that when you eat of [the forbidden fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). But God’s commands are always for our benefit, even when we don’t understand.
Examples of lawless attitudes and behaviors
– Living habitually and unrepentantly in overt sins like sexual immorality, drunkenness, idolatry, jealousy, and swindling (1 Corinthians 5:11; Galatians 5:19-21).
– Rebelling against properly established human authorities like government, work supervisors, and church leaders (Romans 13:2; Hebrews 13:17).
– Rejecting God’s standards of righteousness and creating alternative moralities based on human philosophies (Colossians 2:8).
– Developing arrogant, proud, and judgmental attitudes that marginalize biblical truth (Romans 12:3).
– Trusting in human wisdom, wealth, and strength instead of relying on God’s power and His Word (Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 9:23-24).
– Pursuing selfish ambitions and desires without thought of God’s values and priorities (James 3:14; Philippians 2:21).
– Making vows and breaking them or not fulfilling them on a technicality (Matthew 5:33-37).
– Laziness, slothfulness, and neglecting responsibilities for serving God and others (Proverbs 6:6-11; James 4:17).
– Slander, gossip, divisiveness, and provoking others to anger (Proverbs 6:16-19; Romans 1:29-30).
– Greedily accumulating more wealth than one needs while ignoring the poor (Luke 12:15; 1 John 3:17).
Lawlessness invites God’s wrath and judgment
The Bible warns that lawlessness ultimately leads to judgment and wrath. Romans 1:18 states, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” While God is patient and merciful, He will not tolerate flagrant rebellion forever.
Romans 6:23 declares, “The wages of sin is death.” God promises to punish impenitent lawbreakers. On an eternal level, lawlessness earns us death and separation from God in hell (Revelation 21:8). On an earthly level, it brings God’s discipline and loss of blessing. No one gets away with lawless living, even if judgment is not immediate.
But God’s judgments are always redemptive—meant to bring sinners to repentance. God warns us of sin’s devastating consequences because He desires all people to turn from lawless living and receive salvation through faith in Christ (2 Peter 3:9).
Jesus saves us from the curse and bondage of lawlessness
Though all humanity is guilty of lawlessness, Jesus came to set us free! He redeemed us from sin’s curse and penalty by becoming a curse for us on the cross (Galatians 3:13). His sacrificial death turned away God’s wrath from sinners who place their trust in Him (Romans 5:9).
Not only are we forgiven, but God also breaks sin’s domination over our lives. Titus 2:14 says Jesus, “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness.” Believers receive the Holy Spirit who transforms our rebellious hearts to delight in God’s laws (Ezekiel 36:27; Psalm 40:8). The Spirit empowers us to live righteously in the strength He supplies (1 Peter 4:11).
As we walk by the Spirit daily, we will manifest the fruit of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:16,22-23). God’s grace teaches us to reject lawlessness and worldly passions so that we may live godly lives (Titus 2:11-12). But we never outgrow our need for His mercy and forgiveness when we stumble (1 John 1:9).
Key truths about lawlessness
– Lawlessness is living without regard for God’s moral commands. It esteems self-rule over submission to God.
– Lawlessness elevates human autonomy and desires above God’s rightful authority. It is rebellion against the Creator.
– Lawless attitudes flow from unbelief in God’s goodness, care, and wisdom.
– Persistent lawless behavior invites God’s redemptive wrath and judgment if not repented.
– Jesus died to free us from lawlessness’ curse and power. God gives believers new hearts that love His laws.
– Christians still struggle with sin but rely on the Spirit to make progress in righteousness until Jesus returns.
Conclusion
Lawlessness is a condition of independence from God that rejects His laws and authority. It stems from self-exaltation and unbelief regarding God’s goodness. But Jesus came to redeem us from lawlessness, forgiving our sins and empowering us to obey God through the Spirit. As Christians, we now delight in God’s laws, though imperfectly. While we await Jesus’ return, we walk by the Spirit in obedience to honor Christ and proclaim God’s amazing grace.