The concept of trespass in the Bible refers to sins, transgressions, and offenses against God and others. A trespass is an act that violates moral or divine law. The Bible speaks extensively about trespasses and provides guidance on how to avoid and make amends for them.
The Hebrew word translated as “trespass” in the Old Testament is ma‘al, which means betrayal or treachery. It refers to an act of unfaithfulness to God. The Greek word in the New Testament is paraptōma, meaning a falling aside or false step. It denotes a transgression or violation of God’s law.
Types of Trespasses
The Bible identifies several forms of trespass:
- Disobeying God’s commands (1 Chronicles 10:13)
- Transgressing God’s covenant (Joshua 7:1)
- Neglecting God’s house and service (Ezra 10:6)
- Idolatry and false worship (2 Chronicles 28:19)
- Deceiving or defrauding others (Leviticus 6:2)
- Sexual immorality (Numbers 5:12)
- Arrogance and pride (Ezekiel 15:8)
- Unkindness to the needy (Ezekiel 18:12)
Any behavior that goes against God’s righteous standards is considered a trespass.
Examples of Trespasses
The Bible provides concrete examples of actions that constitute trespasses:
- Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6)
- Israel worshiping the golden calf idol (Exodus 32:31)
- Achan keeping devoted items after battle (Joshua 7:1)
- David committing adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:13)
- Solomon turning to idol worship (1 Kings 11:9)
- The Pharisees rejecting Jesus (Matthew 12:31)
- Ananias and Sapphira lying to the church (Acts 5:3)
These incidents reveal the seriousness of trespasses before God and the far-reaching consequences of sinful choices.
Old Testament Teachings on Trespass
Several Old Testament passages address the gravity of trespasses against God:
- Leviticus 5-6 outlines five major types of trespasses and requirements for guilt and sin offerings.
- Numbers 5 gives regulations concerning trespasses between people.
- 1 Kings 8:31 asks God to judge trespasses of Israel.
- Psalm 68:21 says God will smash the heads of his enemies because of their trespasses.
- Isaiah 59:12 declares Israel’s sins have caused separation from God.
- Ezekiel 14:13 warns that the land will be desolate because of trespasses.
- Ezekiel 15:8 states God will make the land desolate because of their trespasses.
- Daniel 9:24 mentions atonement being made for iniquity and transgression.
The sacrificial system instituted laws requiring offerings to atone for sins and trespasses against God and neighbor.
New Testament Teachings on Trespass
The New Testament also thoroughly covers the theme of trespass:
- Matthew 6:14-15 teaches that God forgives those who forgive trespasses against them.
- Romans 5:15-20 contrasts how Adam’s trespass brought condemnation but Christ’s act brought justification.
- 2 Corinthians 5:19 states that God was reconciling the world to himself by not counting their trespasses.
- Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:14 speak of redemption and forgiveness of trespasses through Christ’s blood.
- Hebrews 9 explains how Christ’s sacrifice secures eternal redemption from transgressions.
A key New Testament teaching is that Jesus’ death pays the penalty for trespasses and reconciles sinners to God (Romans 5:10).
God’s Response to Trespasses
Because God is holy and just, he must punish transgressions of his law. Scripture makes clear that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). God’s wrath is revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).
At the same time, God is merciful and desires all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He is patient, not wishing any to perish (Ezekiel 18:23). His grace offers forgiveness and restoration to all who turn from trespass through faith in Christ.
God also disciplines believers out of love when they trespass, to restore them to righteousness (Hebrews 12:6). His fatherly chastening produces holiness when humbly received.
Overcoming Trespass
The Bible offers hope and help for overcoming trespass through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Important principles include:
- Conviction: Allowing the Spirit to convict one of trespass (John 16:8).
- Confession: Honestly confessing sins to God (1 John 1:9).
- Repentance: Turning from trespass to obey God (Acts 3:19).
- Forgiveness: Seeking and granting forgiveness for trespasses (Colossians 3:13).
- Reconciliation: Being reconciled to God and others (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
- Obedience: Walking in God’s ways by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
- Intercession: Praying for deliverance from trespass (Matthew 6:13).
Through Christ, believers can walk in freedom from the power and penalty of trespass.
Avoiding Trespass
The Bible also gives practical advice for avoiding trespasses by maintaining a close walk with God:
- Knowing God’s Word: Hiding Scripture in one’s heart (Psalm 119:11).
- Loving God: Keeping God’s commands out of love (John 14:15).
- Communing with God: Meeting regularly with God (Hebrews 10:25).
- Fellowshipping: Encouraging one another (Colossians 3:16).
- Confessing Struggles: Sharing burdens to prevent stumbling (Galatians 6:2).
- Fleeing Temptation: Avoiding people/places that tempt one to sin (2 Timothy 2:22).
- Walking in the Spirit: Following the Spirit’s leading (Galatians 5:16).
Careful attention to one’s relationship with God provides strength to resist the pull of trespass.
Consequences of Unresolved Trespass
The Bible is clear that unconfessed, unrepented trespasses have serious spiritual consequences:
- Separation from God: Sin severs close fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:2).
- Slavery to Sin: Unchecked sin leads to bondage and addiction (John 8:34).
- Defilement: Sin corrupts people’s lives like leaven (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
- Discipline: A backslider can expect God’s loving discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11).
- Judgment: Persistent unbelief and rebellion incur God’s wrath (Romans 2:5).
- Hell: The unrighteous will be condemned to eternal punishment (Revelation 21:8).
These sobering warnings prompt believers to deal decisively with trespass through repentance and faith in Christ.
Restoring Relationship After Trespass
An essential part of overcoming trespass is seeking reconciliation with God and others. Steps include:
- Confessing the Wrong: Admitting trespass plainly to God and man (James 5:16).
- Making Amends: Doing one’s best to correct damages from sin (Leviticus 6:1-7).
- Asking Forgiveness: Humbly requesting pardon from God and others (Luke 17:3-4).
- Granting Forgiveness: Releasing bitterness and resentment toward sinners (Ephesians 4:32).
- Pursuing Peace: Doing all possible to restore broken relationships (Romans 12:18).
- Rebuilding Trust: Proving one’s repentance through changed actions (Luke 3:8-14).
While certain consequences remain, God’s grace enables new beginnings after trespass.
Trespass and the Gospel
A right understanding of trespass reveals all people’s desperate need for salvation. Jesus gave his life to redeem mankind from sin’s power and penalty. Those who put faith in him receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life (John 3:16).
Christ’s atoning death brings reconciliation with God (Romans 5:10). His righteousness is credited to believers, covering their trespasses (Romans 4:6-8). He breaks sin’s mastery for those united to him (Romans 6:14).
God’s Spirit indwells believers, enabling them to walk in holiness (Galatians 5:16). Yet when Christians trespass, they can come to Christ in repentance and faith to receive cleansing (1 John 1:9).
The Gospel offers hope to all who will acknowledge their trespasses and turn to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.