James 4:17:

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” – KJV

 

We all know—and have discussed—the origin and meaning of sin. In this writing, we will focus on a type of sin that many people don’t realize they commit: the sin of omission.

Most people understand that disobeying the law—committing acts such as theft, robbery, murder, and even adultery—is sinful. This is what we call the sin of commission, where someone actively commits a wrong. However, this article will look at two important things: first, a brief explanation of the sin of omission, and second, its solution.

 

I. The Brief Explanation

There are acts that many people ignore, even though deep in their conscience, they know that failing to do what is good is wrong (see Romans 2:15).

Imagine this: A man is standing near someone who is about to jump off a bridge. He sees everything with his own eyes. The question is: What is the right thing to do? Just leave him alone? Ignore him? Let him jump? Or try to grab him and save him? Call for help?

The honest answer, if we listen to our conscience and understanding, is to try to save him or call for help.

Another example: Suppose you have extra food, and along the street, you see a poor, old woman lying down and starving. What should your response be? Keep the food for yourself? Or give it to her?

Of course, conscience tells us to share. But in reality, many people don’t care, even when they know it is good to help—especially the poor. Yet the Bible is not silent about this:

 

Proverbs 3:27–28:

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

when it is in your power to do it.

Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again,

tomorrow I will give it’—when you have it with you.”

 

This is the heart of the problem, my friend: If you know what is good and you still choose not to do it, that is sin. The basis of this sin is still God’s law. We all know that obeying God’s commandments is good—yet we often fail to do them. And because this failure is sin, it comes with a penalty: death.

But if you are guilty of the sin of omission, be encouraged: the hands of God are able to reach out and save anyone who has committed this sin. The question is: How?

 

II. The Solution

How can we be saved from the sin of omission? The answer is through the blood of Christ (see Romans 5:9; 1 Peter 1:18–19).

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled every good work. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, ministered to His disciples, and even raised the dead. Every act of goodness—Christ did. No human can match what He did during His time on earth. That is why He alone can save us from this kind of sin. He offered Himself as a ransom by dying on the cross and shedding His blood so that those who have faith in Him would receive His righteousness, while their sins were placed upon Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

But Christ did not remain dead—He rose again on the third day, declaring victory over sin, including the sin of omission.

My friend, search your heart. Do you believe your good works are enough to meet God’s standard? Do you think you are a good person just because you haven’t committed serious crimes?

Let me ask: When was the last time you helped the poor, your neighbor, your family, or a loved one when they truly needed you? If you ignored them—even when you had the ability to help—you committed the sin of omission.

But the good news is this: God is merciful and gracious. Through Christ, you can be saved. Repent of your sins and place your faith in Him alone, and you will be forgiven and saved.

 

Authored by: Chris John Apinan