Sins of commission
Sins of commission are sinful acts a person commits by doing what God forbids. They are usually contrasted with sins of omission, in which a person fails to do what God requires.
At a Glance
Sins of commission are sinful acts a person commits by doing what God forbids. They are usually contrasted with sins of omission, in which a person fails to do what God requires.
Description
Sins of commission are sins committed by actively doing what God forbids in thought, word, attitude, or deed. The phrase is a theological summary rather than a standard Bible expression, but it reflects the biblical teaching that sin includes concrete acts of disobedience as well as sinful speech and desires of the heart. Examples include lying, stealing, murder, sexual immorality, slander, and idolatry, along with inward sins such as hatred, lust, and pride. The term is often contrasted with sins of omission, which involve failing to do what God commands. Used carefully, the category is helpful for explaining personal guilt and the breadth of sin without suggesting that Scripture limits sin to only these two labels.