10 Scriptures on Sin Teaching You How to Overcome It

A 2017 study reports that 67% of Americans admit themselves as sinners. They want to learn how to overcome sin based on the Bible.

Like them, are you also looking for biblical teachings on overcoming sin?

In this article, you will discover 10 of the best scriptures on sin that provide counsel on overcoming it.

But first, let’s define sin, learn how it started, and enumerate some of its consequences.

Let’s go!

What is Sin According to the Bible?

Sin is basically transgression of God’s law, the transcript of His character. It means disobeying or going against His instructions.

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4, NIV)¹.

It is a condition inherited from birth as a consequence of humanity’s fallen state (Psalm 51:5). In other words, it is an “inborn tendency to do evil”².

How Sin Began and Came Into the World

Beginning with Lucifer in heaven

Sin began with Satan, formerly called Lucifer, a heavenly angel created perfect by God.

Unfortunately, he became prideful and desired to exalt himself above God. He aimed to overthrow God’s authority and take His place (Isaiah 14:12-15).

With this rebellion, he even influenced a third of the angels. As such, he fell from grace and lost his esteemed position (Ezekiel 28:13-17).

Eventually, he and his angels got expelled from heaven (Isaiah 14:15; Revelation 12:4, 7-9).

This marked the first sin in the universe. This was when Lucifer became known as Satan or the devil³.

Continuing through Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve were the first humans God created on earth (Genesis 1:27, 2:15-25).

One of the instructions He gave them was to never eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (verses 16-17 of chapter 2).

But one day, Eve was tempted by Satan, in the form of a cunning serpent, to eat the forbidden fruit. She even influenced Adam to do the same. And they both sinned (Genesis 3:1-7).

Their disobedience resulted in immediate consequences. They became aware of their nakedness and felt ashamed of it. (verse 7)

This disobedience marked the fall of humanity. It caused Adam and Eve separation from God and expulsion from the Garden of Eden (verses 23-24).

Accompanying this expulsion were curses such as painful childbirth and the need to work the ground for food and living (verses 14-19).

This sin continued throughout all humanity, causing them to naturally incline towards wrongdoing (Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12).

And that’s how sin, which began with Lucifer, continued through Adam and Eve and all humanity.

10 Consequences of Sin

1) Separation from God

Sin results in a spiritual separation between us and God.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2, NIV).

This separation disrupts the intimate relationship He desires with humanity. It leaves a void that can only be mended through repentance and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

2) Suffering and pain

The consequences of sin include suffering and pain, affecting individuals and communities.

For instance, women had to suffer from painful childbirth. Also, they, together with men, had to work hard for food and living (Genesis 3:16-19).

Aside from those, sin also resulted in various diseases and illnesses⁴⁵.

3) Physical death

The ultimate consequence of sin is physical death. 

“Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin…death came to all people because all sinned” (Romans 5:12, NIV).

Ultimately, “the wages of sin is death.” But the good news is that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (verse 23 of chapter 6, NIV).

This mortality is a direct consequence of sin and rebellion against God’s perfect plan.

4) Broken relationship

Sin disrupted relationships by introducing discord and blame.

After Adam and Eve sinned, he blamed her, and she blamed the serpent (Genesis 3:12-13).

Sin eroded trust and harmony. It led to a sense of shame and guilt that hindered open communication and intimacy (verse 7).

It was this initial act of disobedience that fractured the perfect relationship between humanity and God (Isaiah 59:2).

This consequence of sin continues to strain relationships today. With this, we all need reconciliation through Christ.

5) Loss of peace

As sin disrupted the harmonious relationship between God and humanity, it took away peace.

The Bible says in Isaiah 48:22 (NIV), “There is no peace for the wicked.” Romans 3:17 (NIV) echoes this point, saying, “And the way of peace they do not know.”

These verses affirm that a life marked by disobedience and sin cannot experience true inner peace.

Sin introduces turmoil, guilt, and separation from God, making lasting peace elusive. It is only through reconciliation with Him can we find genuine peace (verse 1 of chapter 5).

6) Curses on God’s creation

Sin resulted in curses on God’s creation as a consequence of humanity’s disobedience. 

In Genesis 3:17-18, He declared that the ground would be cursed because of Adam and Eve’s sin. 

Every living thing—human, animal, or plant—that depends on it for survival began to suffer. In other words, all of creation groans under the burden of sin’s consequences (Romans 8:22). 

For instance, the once thornless plants developed thorns and thistles, making them hard to touch or pick. Similarly, men had to work hard planting on the ground for food.

The consequences of this curse also involved natural disasters and ecological imbalances (Revelation 6:12-14, 8:7-12).

Indeed, sin not only affected humanity but also brought about curses on the world itself. It disrupted the harmony of God’s creation.

7) Moral decay

Sin resulted in moral decay as disobedience to God’s standards led to a deterioration of ethical values in society.

In Romans 1:28-32, Paul describes the downward spiral of those who reject Him. It leads to depraved minds and a culture marked by unrighteousness, wickedness, and a disregard for what is good and just.

Sin blinds individuals to the truth and leads them further from His moral principles (2 Corinthians 4:4).

This moral decay impacts relationships and societies, and ultimately hinders spiritual growth. It highlights the destructive influence of sin on human ethics and values.

8) Guilt and shame

Sin resulted in guilt and shame because it violates God’s righteous standards.

After Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they immediately felt ashamed and tried to cover themselves (Genesis 3:7).

Guilt and shame often follow sinful actions. For instance, in Psalm 38:4 (NIV), David said, “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.”

These emotions remind us of our need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Through repentance and His grace, we can find relief from the guilt and shame caused by sin (1 John 1:9).

9) Bondage to sin

Sin resulted in bondage to sin as it can become a relentless cycle.

Jesus explained in John 8:34 (NIV), “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”

True enough, repeated sin creates bad habits and addiction, making it increasingly difficult to break free.

Apostle Paul also addressed this in Romans 6:16 (NIV).

He said, “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

True enough, breaking the chains of sin requires divine intervention and surrender to Christ’s transformative power.

10) Judgment

Sin resulted in judgment because it violates God’s holiness and righteousness.

Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that it is appointed for people to die once and then face judgment. This is how serious the consequences of sin are.

Romans 2:5 (NIV) also warns, “Because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath when His righteous judgment will be revealed.”

Rebellion against God’s divine order necessitates judgment. However, through faith in Jesus Christ, we can find forgiveness and escape the ultimate judgment (verse 1 of chapter 8).

10 Scriptures on Sin That Provide Ways to Overcome It

1) Psalm 51:10

This verse expresses a plea to God for renewal and transformation⁶.

Based on this passage, these are the steps to overcoming sin:

1. Ask God to purify your heart, acknowledging your need for His transformative power.
2. Pray for a steadfast spirit, a resolute commitment to follow His ways despite temptation.
3. Recognize your sins, confess them to Him, and seek His forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
4. Embrace His grace, relying on His strength to resist sin.

2) Psalm 119:11

This verse emphasizes the importance of storing God’s Word in your heart, helping you avoid sin⁷.

Based on this, this is how you can overcome sin:

1. Regularly read and meditate on the Scriptures, allowing them to become deeply rooted in your heart.
2. Memorize Bible verses, particularly those addressing areas of temptation or weakness.
3. When faced with sin, recall and apply relevant verses to come up with the right choices.
4. Allow those verses to transform your thoughts, desires, and actions.

3) Matthew 5:30

This verse is part of Jesus’ teaching on the seriousness of sin. It emphasizes the need to take radical measures on avoiding it⁸.

Based on this, you can overcome sin by doing the following:

1. Recognize the seriousness of sin in your life and its potential consequences.
2. Be willing to take drastic measures to avoid it, even if it means making difficult choices.
3. Proactively protect your heart and mind from influences that lead to sin, whether through accountability, filtering content, or seeking positive influences.
4. Rely on God’s grace and strength through prayer and faith.

4) Romans 12:21

This text encourages you to overcome evil with good, emphasizing the power of love and righteousness⁹.

Based on this verse, these are the ways to overcome sin:

1. Respond to sin and wrongdoing with acts of kindness, forgiveness, and love.
2. Strive to live a life of righteousness and integrity, aligning your actions with God’s principles.
3. Avoid the temptation to seek revenge or repay evil with evil. Instead, allow Him to handle justice.
4. Cultivate a spirit of love, compassion, and forgiveness in your interactions with others, reflecting His grace and mercy.

5) 1 Corinthians 10:13

This verse reassures you that God provides a way out when facing temptation, helping you stand firm¹⁰.

The following is what this verse implies in learning how to overcome sin:

1. Understand that God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear.
2. When tempted, actively seek the way of escape that He provides, such as through prayer and quoting of scriptures.
3. Flee from the source of temptation.
4. Trust in His strength to help you resist temptation.

6) Galatians 5:16

This passage urges you to walk by the Spirit to overcome the desires of your sinful nature and live in alignment with God’s will¹¹.

To overcome sin based on this verse:

1. Commit to a daily, conscious walk in the Spirit. Seek to live under His guidance and influence.
2. Recognize and actively crucify the sinful desires of the flesh. Surrender them to God’s control.
3. Resist the urge to gratify sinful desires by relying on His strength and guidance.
4. Focus on cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, allowing its virtues to replace your sinful ways.

7) Ephesians 6:11

This verse encourages you to put on the full armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil¹².

Based on this verse, these are the steps to overcoming sin:

1. Clothe yourself in God’s truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and Word.
2. Acknowledge that the battle against sin is a spiritual one and prepare yourself accordingly.
3. Stand firm against sin and temptation, relying on His strength and protection.
4. Maintain a life of prayer and spiritual vigilance. Seek His guidance and protection in your daily walk to resist the schemes of the enemy.

8) Colossians 3:5

This text admonishes you to give up your earthly desires and sinful tendencies¹³.

To overcome sin based on this verse:

1. Identify sinful desires and behaviors in your life. With discipline and faith, surrender them all to God.
2. Meditate on His Word, focusing on divine things rather than earthly desires.
3. Seek accountability and support from fellow believers who can help you in your journey to overcome sin.
4. Cultivate a life of holiness. Set your mind on heavenly things, allowing God’s transformative power to control your actions and shape your character.

9) Hebrews 2:18

This passage serves as a reminder that Jesus, Who has faced temptation Himself, is able to help those who are being tempted¹⁴.

These is what this verse implies in learning how to overcome sin:

1. Recognize Jesus as your Source of strength in overcoming sin, knowing that He understands your temptations.
2. Turn to Him in prayer, seeking His guidance and strength to resist sin.
3. Trust in His power to help you overcome it, knowing that He Himself has conquered sin and offered you victory.
4. Study His life and teachings as an example of how to resist temptation and live a life pleasing to God.

10) James 4:7

This verse encourages you to submit to God, resist Satan, and draw near to Him¹⁵.

To overcome sin based on this verse:

1. Submit your will and desires to God, recognizing His authority in your life.
2. Actively resist the devil’s temptations and schemes, standing firm in your faith.
3. Foster a close relationship with Him through prayer, study of His Word, and worship.
4. If you stumble into sin, repent sincerely. Allow God’s forgiveness and cleansing to purify your heart, increasing your resistance to temptations.

What Have You Learned?

Has this article inspired you? What have you learned from our 10 scriptures on overcoming sin?

Share them with us by commenting below.

To learn more about this topic, check this out: Season 1 Lesson 8: What is Sin?

1. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 650-651 [↩]
2. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 3, 755 [↩]
3. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 4, 170 [↩]
4. Ellen White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, 120.3 [↩]
5. Ellen White, Counsels on Health, 24.2 [↩]
6. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 3, 756 [↩]
7. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 3, 897 [↩]
8. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 337 [↩]
9. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 625 [↩]
10. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 744 [↩]
11. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 980-981 [↩]
12. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 1043-1044 [↩]
13. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 210 [↩]
14. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 407-408 [↩]
15. Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, 532 [↩]