A Nugget of Truth.
Which law defines sin?

The Bible first defines sin as:

"Sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4)

But which law?

Paul gives the answer:

"I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, 'You shall not covet.'" (Romans 7:7)

The command Paul quotes is the Tenth Commandment.

That means the law he is referring to is the Ten Commandments.

Notice that the commandment against coveting is not found by itself. It is part of a single law containing all ten commandments, written by the finger of God on tables of stone (Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 4:13).

The same law that says:

"Thou shalt not covet"

also says:

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."

If one commandment defines sin, then all ten define sin.

Without a law against idolatry, idolatry would not be sin.

Without a law against murder, murder would not be sin.

Without a law against adultery, adultery would not be sin.

Without a law against coveting, coveting would not be sin.

And without a law commanding the Sabbath, Sabbath-breaking would not be sin.

The Ten Commandments do not save us. They reveal God's standard of righteousness and our need of Christ.