Understandably, it can be difficult to accept that we are sinful. “Why do you call me a sinner when I have not done anything wrong?” you may ask. “I haven’t killed anyone, I don’t lie, I don’t cheat, and I don’t break the law. How am I a sinner?”

The Bible, however, notes that sin is not merely committing a crime or doing something morally wrong; it is disobedience to God and rejection of his authority over our lives. All of us, without exception, are guilty of this. We do not obey God or live according to his perfect ways; instead, we live by our own rules. That’s why the Bible observes, “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23).

However, if we confess to God that we are sinners and believe that his son Jesus can save us, God will pardon us. If we accept Jesus’ gift of his death and resurrection on our behalf, we will be forgiven and declared free from the consequences and power of sin. This means we will no longer be regarded as sinners, and will therefore be able to enter into God’s presence and enjoy a relationship with him forever.