This topic came up recently in a seminary class, so I thought I would put the question to you: is there a difference between sins and transgressions?
Example: if a child decides to climb on the roof of the house (usually) he is sinning. He knows that his mother probably won't allow it. If the mother says "don't climb on the roof" and the child climbs, he is now a transgressor, because there is a law.
Biblical illustration: did Adam transgress the fourth commandment? No. While the sabbath principle was already implicit in the order of creation, there was not yet a command given, therefore while Adam broke the law (which consisted of one command at the time) he did not transgress the fourth commandment, as the commandment had not yet been given.
Second biblical example: Cain sinned in killing his brother, but did not transgress. God warns Cain, saying "Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” but he gives no direct command. Then God punishes Cain for his sin, but it is not until Genesis 9 that the explicit command is given. Cain sinned but did not transgress because no command had been given (Romans 4:15).
Am I off the rails here?
Example: if a child decides to climb on the roof of the house (usually) he is sinning. He knows that his mother probably won't allow it. If the mother says "don't climb on the roof" and the child climbs, he is now a transgressor, because there is a law.
Biblical illustration: did Adam transgress the fourth commandment? No. While the sabbath principle was already implicit in the order of creation, there was not yet a command given, therefore while Adam broke the law (which consisted of one command at the time) he did not transgress the fourth commandment, as the commandment had not yet been given.
Second biblical example: Cain sinned in killing his brother, but did not transgress. God warns Cain, saying "Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” but he gives no direct command. Then God punishes Cain for his sin, but it is not until Genesis 9 that the explicit command is given. Cain sinned but did not transgress because no command had been given (Romans 4:15).
Am I off the rails here?