Every question on this site that asks whether something is a sin, or what the Bible says about it, is listed below in alphabetical order by topic. Each line gives the short verdict from the full article, so you can see where I land before you click. Where the Bible is silent or Christians disagree, the line says so. If you are not sure where to begin, start with What Is Sin? and the Ten Commandments.
A
- Is Abortion A Sin In The Bible?: The Bible never names it, but because God forms life in the womb, deliberately ending it is sinful, yet forgivable.
- Is Addiction A Sin In The Bible?: The Bible never names addiction, but feeding it is sin, and it is also a bondage God frees people from.
- Is Adultery A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; the seventh commandment forbids it, though God forgives the person who truly repents.
- Is Drinking Alcohol A Sin In The Bible?: Not in itself; moderate drinking is allowed and drunkenness is condemned, while abstaining is equally honorable.
- What Does God Say About Using Amulets?: Relying on an amulet for protection or luck is misplaced trust that the Bible warns against as idolatry.
- Is Anal Sex A Sin In The Bible?: The Bible never mentions it within marriage, so it is no direct sin there, but I counsel against it as a pastoral judgment.
- Is Anger A Sin?: Not in itself; anger becomes sin when driven by pride or revenge, held onto, or used to hurt others.
- What Does The Bible Say About The Antichrist?: Scripture gives no single portrait, but its passages warn of opposition to Christ and of false teaching.
- Is Believing In Zodiac Signs And Astrology A Sin?: Yes; the Bible forbids divination, and relying on stars to guide your life turns from God to something else.
B
- Is Writing In The Bible A Sin?: No; underlining and taking notes in your own Bible is fine, but leave other people's copies alone.
- Is Bullying A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; the word is absent, but Scripture condemns harming and tormenting people made in God's image.
C
- Is Cheating A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; cheating breaks faithfulness or combines lying and stealing, though Christ forgives those who repent.
- What Does The Bible Say About Children?: Children are a blessing and a gift from God, valued as bearers of grace and potential.
- What Does The Bible Say About Christmas?: A season to celebrate the birth of Jesus with gratitude, keeping the focus on Christ rather than on debates over traditions.
- What Does The Bible Say About Christmas Trees?: The Bible does not forbid them; enjoy the tradition with joy and reverence while keeping your eyes on Christ.
- What Does "Confess Your Sins To One Another" Mean?: Explains James 5:16 in context and how confessing to God differs from confessing to people.
- Is Cremation A Sin In The Bible?: No; the Bible never forbids cremation, and the God who made us from dust can raise us from ashes.
- What Does The Bible Say About Crystals?: Crystals are beautiful creation with no healing power, and using them for energy or protection is forbidden occult trust.
- Is Cursing A Sin In The Bible?: Yes, vulgar or hateful language is wrong for a Christian, though the Bible gives no list of banned words.
D
- Is Dating A Sin In The Bible?: Not in itself; the Bible's teaching on love, purity and honesty decides whether a relationship honors God.
- Is Debt A Sin In The Bible?: No; owing money is not a sin, but failing to repay what you owe is.
- Is Depression A Sin In The Bible?: No; depression is an illness, and the Bible never condemns those who suffer it.
- What Does The Bible Say About Dinosaurs?: The Bible never uses the word, and believers read the question in several different ways.
- Is Divorce A Sin In The Bible?: It falls short of God's design for lifelong marriage, but the Bible permits it in some cases and offers forgiveness.
- What Does The Bible Say About Dogs?: Dogs in Scripture are mostly scavengers or figures of speech, yet they are part of the creation God called good.
- What Does The Bible Say About Dreams?: Dreams are a valid way God can speak, but believers must test them against His truth.
- What Does The Bible Say About Loved Ones Visiting Us In Dreams?: Such dreams are usually part of grief; the Bible does not teach visits from the dead and forbids seeking them.
F
- Is Falling In Love A Sin In The Bible?: No; falling in love is how God made us, and only what we do with the feeling can become sinful.
- What Does The Bible Say About Family?: Family is rooted in God's design, with honor for parents and a harmonious home at its center.
- Is Fear A Sin In The Bible?: Not in itself; fear becomes sin when it comes from distrusting God and starts ruling how we live.
- Is Playing Football A Sin In The Bible?: No; sport is not forbidden, and only a heart of pride, violence or idolatry makes it a problem.
- Does God Forgive All Sins?: Covers the promise of 1 John 1:9, whether there is an exception, and what to do when you keep falling into the same sin.
- What Does The Bible Say About Forgiveness Of Sin?: Christ's death removes the condemnation of sin for believers, and we are to forgive others as God forgives us.
G
- Is Gambling A Sin In The Bible?: The Bible never names it, but it warns against greed, so avoid it if prone to compulsion; a small bet is conscience.
- What Does The Bible Say About Ghosts?: The Bible does not portray lingering spirits; it speaks of angels, demons and the afterlife.
- Is Gluttony A Sin In The Bible?: Yes, when it means habitual overindulgence that lets appetite rule; enjoying a good meal is not gluttony.
- What Does God Look Like In The Bible?: Scripture gives no detailed physical description; it shows His character and presence.
- Is Gossiping A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; gossip betrays confidences and tears people down, even when what is passed on is true.
- What Is The Greatest Sin In The Bible?: The Bible names no single greatest sin, but rejecting Jesus Christ, the only means of salvation, is the one left unpardoned.
- Is Greed A Sin In The Bible?: Yes, and a serious one; Paul calls it idolatry, though it is forgivable and can be broken by giving.
H
- How Does The Bible Address Habitual Sin?: Admit your vulnerability humbly, lean on God's Word, and trust that He will finish what He began in you.
- What Does Halloween Mean In The Bible? Is It A Sin?: The Bible never names it and Christians differ, so avoid the occult and follow your conscience.
- Is Hate A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; hating a person is sin, though we are told to hate evil, never the people made in God's image.
- What Does The Bible Say About "Hate The Sin, Love The Sinner"?: The phrase is not in the Bible, but the idea is biblical: hate evil and love people, even enemies.
- What Does The Bible Say About Hell?: Hell is the destination of those who persist in unrepentant sin, and Christians interpret its nature in various ways.
- What Does The Bible Say About Homosexuality?: Read classically, the passages speak against same-sex acts, though the Bible never condemns a person for attraction.
- Is It A Sin To Watch Horror Movies?: Not by definition, but each Christian must decide with wisdom, avoiding what glorifies cruelty or the occult.
I
- Is Incest A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; the law forbids sex with a close relative and the New Testament still condemns it as sexual immorality.
J
- Is Jealousy A Sin In The Bible?: It depends; God's jealousy is holy, while human jealousy that resents others or rivals God is sin.
- Is Judging A Sin In The Bible?: It depends; hypocritical or harsh judging is sin, but believers are also told to discern and correct gently.
K
- Is Kissing Or Making Out A Sin In The Bible?: No; kissing is not a sin in itself, but it becomes one when it stirs sexual desire outside marriage.
L
- Is Laziness A Sin In The Bible?: Yes, persistent willful laziness is sin, but honest rest, illness and tiredness are not.
- Is Being Left-Handed A Sin In The Bible?: No; the Bible never condemns left-handed people and names skilled left-handers such as Ehud the judge.
- When Does Life Begin According To The Bible?: The Bible gives no explicit answer but upholds the sanctity of life, born and unborn.
- Is Living Together Outside Of Marriage A Sin In The Bible?: The Bible never names it, but sex outside marriage is sin, and I advise waiting to move in until after marrying.
- Is Playing The Lottery A Sin In The Bible?: Not in itself; the sin, if any, lies in greed and the motive for playing and what the habit does to you.
- What Does "Love Covers A Multitude Of Sins" Mean?: Explains 1 Peter 4:8 and Proverbs 10:12, what the phrase does not mean, and how to live it.
- Is Lust A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; lust is a deliberate craving for what God has not given you, though desire for your own spouse is not lust.
- Is Lying A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; the Bible treats every lie as sin, though lying can be forgiven when we confess and turn from it.
M
- Is Manifestation A Sin In The Bible?: It depends; goals and thankfulness are fine, but trusting the universe in place of God is a spiritual error.
- Is Masturbation A Sin In The Bible?: The Bible never mentions it; it turns sinful when fed by lust or ruling you, and God forgives.
- Is Meditation A Sin?: No; biblical meditation means filling the mind with God's Word, unlike emptying the mind as in Eastern practices.
- What Does The Bible Say About Mediums?: Yes, the Bible forbids consulting mediums, and God offers himself and his promise of resurrection for grief.
- What Does The Bible Say About Miscarriage?: Miscarriage is a grief of a fallen world, not a punishment, and there is comfort and hope in God's promises.
- What Is A Mortal Sin?: Explains mortal and venial sin, Catholic teaching, how Protestants see it, and whether it can be forgiven.
- What Does The Bible Say About Mourning Over Sin?: Real sorrow over sin leads to forgiveness and freedom in Christ, not to endless guilt.
- Is Music A Sin In The Bible?: No; secular music is not a sin in itself, so test the content, its effect on you and your conscience.
N
- Is Not Going To Church A Sin In The Bible?: It will not cost you salvation, but deliberately dropping out of fellowship neglects what God gave for your good.
- Is Not Reading A Bible A Sin?: Missing a day is not sin, but a settled habit of ignoring God's Word points to a heart problem.
- Is Numerology A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; reading meaning or the future from numbers is the divination the Bible forbids, unlike noting numbers in Scripture.
O
- Is Saying "Oh My God" A Sin?: It treats God's name lightly, which the third commandment forbids, but it is forgivable and not usually blasphemy.
- What Are Sins Of Omission?: Explains James 4:17, how omission differs from commission, and Matthew 25.
- Is Oral Sex A Sin In The Bible?: Not between a husband and wife who freely agree, motivated by love; outside marriage it is sin.
- What Is Original Sin?: Covers Genesis 3, Romans 5:12, how Christian traditions differ, and how Christ answers it.
- Is It A Sin To Believe In Other Religions?: The Bible makes exclusive claims for Christ and calls Christians to hold their faith with love and respect for others.
- How Can We Overcome Sins?: God's Word, prayer and His resources bring change, quickly in some cases and slowly in others.
P
- What Does The Bible Say About Pastors Who Sin?: They are not exempt from consequences, church discipline applies, and restoration is possible through repentance.
- Is Pedophilia A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; sexual abuse of a child is a grave sin and a crime, and the Bible condemns it without ambiguity.
- Are Piercings A Sin?: No; Scripture never condemns piercings, so the real questions are motive, modesty and conscience.
- Is Polygamy A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; the Bible's design is one man and one woman for life, and it records polygamy as a source of grief.
- Is Eating Pork A Sin In The Bible?: No; Jesus declared all foods clean, so a Christian may eat pork with thanksgiving.
- Is Watching Porn A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; it is designed to stir lust, which Jesus called adultery of the heart, but God forgives it completely.
- Is Poverty A Sin In The Bible?: No; being poor is not a moral failing, and God calls his people to care for the poor.
- Is Premarital Sex A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; the Bible reserves sex for marriage, though God forgives the repentant and offers a fresh start.
- Is Pride A Sin In The Bible?: Yes, when it takes credit God deserves, though gratitude for honest work or family is not that pride.
- What Does The Bible Say About Psychics?: The Bible clearly forbids consulting psychics, mediums and fortune tellers; guidance belongs with God's Word and Spirit.
R
- Is Rape A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; rape is a grave sin, the Bible never places guilt on the victim, and survivors carry no shame before God.
- What Does The Bible Say About Reincarnation?: It is absent from Scripture, which teaches resurrection and judgment.
- How To Repent: Covers what repentance means, its signs and steps, and how it differs from regret.
S
- Is Self-Defense A Sin In The Bible?: No; the Bible forbids vengeful retaliation but not defending yourself or others from harm.
- Is Sex Or Having Sex A Sin In The Bible?: No; God designed sex as a gift for marriage, and it becomes sin only outside that covenant.
- What Sexual Activities Does The Bible Forbid?: Sets out what Scripture forbids and points to redemption and healing in Christ.
- What Is Sexual Immorality According To The Bible?: Sexual immorality means any sexual activity outside the marriage of one man and one woman, and repentance brings forgiveness.
- Examples Of Sexual Sin In The Bible: Sexual sin is grave and harmful, so remove temptation and fill your mind with what is pure.
- What Does The Bible Say About Sin After Salvation?: Believers still sin, but Jesus our High Priest intercedes for us and we will not be abandoned.
- Are All Sins Equal?: No, every sin separates us from God, but some carry heavier consequences.
- What Does "Let Any One Of You Who Is Without Sin Cast The First Stone" Mean?: Covers John 8, what Jesus meant, and whether Christians should never judge.
- Is It Wrong To Cause Others To Sin?: Yes; causing others to sin is itself a serious sin, and God holds us responsible for tempting or misleading them.
- What Does "God Made Him Who Had No Sin To Be Sin" Mean?: Explains 2 Corinthians 5:21, the great exchange, and whether Jesus became a sinner.
- What Does The Bible Say About The Sins Of The Father?: Explains Exodus 20:5, what Ezekiel 18 adds, and whether generational curses are real.
- What Does The Bible Say About Sleeping?: Sleep is a divine gift and an expression of trust in God.
- Is Smoking A Sin In The Bible?: The Bible never names smoking, but because it harms the body and grips the will, a Christian should work toward freedom.
- Is Smoking Weed A Sin In The Bible?: The Bible never names marijuana, but I hold that recreational use is sinful, and God forgives those who turn from it.
- What Does The Bible Say About Speaking In Tongues?: Tongues are a real New Testament gift; Scripture is not conclusive on whether they continue, and they seem less common today.
- Is Stealing A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; the eighth commandment forbids it, though God forgives the thief who repents and makes things right.
- Is Suicide A Sin In The Bible?: Taking one's life is wrong because life is God's gift, but the Bible never calls it unforgivable.
- What Does The Bible Say About Supporting Sin?: The Bible condemns cheering on sin, while patience with people and love for sinners are good.
- Is Swearing A Sin In The Bible?: It depends; careless oaths and profanity are wrong, while swearing an oath is not always sin.
T
- What Does The Bible Say About Tarot Cards?: The Bible never names tarot, but it forbids divination, so Christians should avoid it and seek guidance from God.
- Are Tattoos A Sin In The Bible?: Not in itself; Leviticus 19:28 targeted pagan mourning rites, and the sin lies in a rebellious or vain motive.
- Is Throwing Away A Bible A Sin?: No; the paper is not holy, though an old Bible deserves respectful disposal rather than being tossed in contempt.
- What Does The Bible Say About Touching Breasts?: Within marriage it is not sinful, but outside marriage it is sexual immorality.
- What Does The Bible Say About Transgender Individuals?: The classic reading holds that God made us male and female; the world has changed, and I accept and support transgender people.
- Is Twerking A Sin In The Bible?: The Bible never mentions it, but a sexually suggestive dance falls under its teaching on lust and purity.
U
- What Is The Unforgivable Sin?: Covers Matthew 12:31-32, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and whether God forgives those who repent.
- Is Usury A Sin In The Bible?: Fair lending at interest is never named as sin, but exploiting the needy with a crushing rate is.
V
- Is Vanity A Sin In The Bible?: Yes; vanity is excessive pride in yourself that shifts to us the glory belonging to God.
- Is Vaping A Sin?: The Bible never names vaping, but because most vapes deliver addictive nicotine, a Christian should move toward freedom.
- Is Being Vegan A Sin In The Bible?: No; being vegan is a matter of freedom, as long as you do not force it on others or use it to earn God's favor.
W
- What Is The Bible's Message On War?: Sets the wars of the Old Testament beside the peace of the New and urges love, compassion and peaceful resolution.
- What Does The Bible Say About Watching Bad Things?: Fill your eyes and mind with what brings glory to God and avoid influences that pull you from Him.
- What Does The Bible Say About Witchcraft?: Yes; witchcraft is condemned as idolatry, but anyone who turns from it to Christ is forgiven.
- What Does The Bible Say About Women Pastors?: Christians disagree; my reading reserves the pastor-elder office for qualified men, while women serve in many other roles.
- Is Worry A Sin?: When worry becomes a settled habit of distrusting God it is sin, but passing concern and anxiety disorders are not.
Y
- Is Yeast Or Leavened Bread A Sin In The Bible?: No; the ban on yeast belonged to a festival and the New Testament never makes it a food rule.
- Is Doing Yoga A Sin In The Bible?: Plain stretching is not a sin, but taking part in yoga's spiritual side is a matter for wisdom and conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Worst Sin?
The Bible names no single worst sin, but it does call out one that cannot be pardoned: refusing the only way of salvation. I walk through it in The Greatest Sin In The Bible.
Are All Sins Equal?
Every sin separates us from God, so none is harmless. Yet Scripture also treats some sins as more serious in their consequences. See Are All Sins Equal?.
Can Every Sin Be Forgiven?
The promise of the gospel is that God forgives those who confess and turn to Christ. Jesus did speak of one sin that is not forgiven, which is why the question deserves its own answer in Does God Forgive All Sins?.
What Is Sin?
In the Bible, sin is missing the mark of God's holiness, whether by what we do, what we fail to do, or what we desire in the heart. The full definition is in What Is Sin?.
