What is a trespass in the Bible?

Answer

To trespass is to exceed one’s rights by violating a boundary or a law. When we trespass on someone’s property, we violate the physical boundaries they have established. Similarly, we trespass when we violate God’s moral law or the rights of others. Ephesians 2:1 illustrates the seriousness of trespassing against God’s commands: “You were dead in your trespasses and sins.” The terms trespass and sin can be used interchangeably, and Paul may use both here for emphasis or to encompass various sins. It may also imply in Ephesians 2:1 that while all are culpable for inherited sin through Adam “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”, (Romans 5:12), we also commit individual trespasses against God’s law. Regardless of interpretation, Scripture declares us all as trespassers.

The Greek word frequently translated as “trespass” in the New Testament literally means “a false step.” It suggests a deviation after being close beside. It signifies a stumbling, a deviation from the path, a straying from the truth, or a falling of some sort. Trespasses can be deliberate or unintentional. The trespass offering (or guilt offering) in the Old Testament was presented by those who recognized they had inadvertently sinned against the consecrated items of the tabernacle (Leviticus 5).

“We all stumble in many ways” “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”, (James 3:2). We all trespass. A husband can trespass against his wife by treating her harshly, causing her to withdraw “Husbands, love your wIves, and be not bitter against them.” , (Colossians 3:19). A friend can trespass against another friend by breaking a trust or betraying a confidence “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: And their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” , (Proverbs 18:19). Trespasses have a way of catching us as if in a trap “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” , (Galatians 6:1).

Jesus taught us how to deal with trespasses and offenses in Matthew 18:15–17. He also taught that we are to forgive those who trespass against us so that our Father will forgive us (Matthew 6:12;Matthew 18:23-35).

We all trespass against God because we are all sinful “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” , (Romans 3:23). God posted His “No Trespassing” signs, and we violated His boundaries. But God is willing to forgive our trespasses when we confess them to Him and place our faith in Christ (1 John 1:9;Acts 3:19). Jesus took our trespasses upon Himself on the cross “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” , (2 Corinthians 5:21). His death and resurrection removed the barrier that our trespasses and sins created between us and God “blotting out the handwri

Ting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; », (Colossians 2:14). When we repent of our sin and receive Christ by faith, His blood cancels our trespasses, and God pronounces us righteous.