Everyone, without exception
The Bible’s diagnosis is short and clear: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Not “most people”, not “bad people”, but all. Paul writes this after showing that both religious Jews and pagan Gentiles are guilty before God (Romans 1–3).
This is good to remember in every culture. In Pakistan, in Poland or anywhere else, people often think: “I pray, I fast, I go to church or mosque, I am a good person.” But God does not compare us with other people. He compares us with His own perfect holiness.
What is sin?
Sin is not only breaking rules. It is turning away from God, living as if He were not our Lord. The Bible uses several pictures:
- Missing the target – we “fall short” of God’s glory, like an arrow that does not reach the mark.
- Breaking the law – “sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).
- Rebellion – “We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6).
The law as a mirror
Many people do not feel like sinners. One helpful way is to let God’s law speak, as Jesus did. Ask gently:
- “Have you ever told a lie?” (Exodus 20:16)
- “Have you ever taken something that was not yours?” (Exodus 20:15)
- “Have you ever been angry with someone in your heart?” Jesus said this is like murder in God’s eyes (Matthew 5:21-22).
- “Have you ever looked at someone with lust?” Jesus said this is adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:28).
James adds that breaking even one command makes us guilty of the whole law (James 2:10). A chain with one broken link no longer holds.
The law works like a mirror: it shows the dirt on our face, but it cannot wash it (James 1:23-25). Its job is to lead us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). So we never use the law to tell people “try harder”, but to show them “you need a Saviour”.
Speak as one sinner to another
Paul, the great apostle, called himself “the worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). When we talk about sin, we say “we”, not only “you”. We are not judges looking down, but people who have been rescued and want others to be rescued too.
“The Bible says that all of us have sinned, me too. I have lied, I have been selfish, I have had bad thoughts. Have you ever done any of these things?”
Honesty about our own sin opens hearts. Pride closes them.
Check yourself
Practise
Write how you would explain "all have sinned" to someone who says "I am a good person". Use one of God's commandments as a mirror, and include yourself.
Tips
- Ask a question instead of giving a lecture, e.g. "Have you ever told a lie?"
- Mention Jesus' words about the heart (Matthew 5:28).
- Say "we", not only "you".
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