Webster's dictionary defines transgression and sin pretty much the same: "an offense against religious or moral law" and "infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty"
Growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I was taught there is a distinction between sin and transgression.
“… We celebrate Eve’s act and honor her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the Fall. … Elder Joseph Fielding Smith said: ‘I never speak of the part Eve took in this fall as a sin, nor do I accuse Adam of a sin. … This was a transgression of the law, but not a sin.’ …
“This suggested contrast between a sin and a transgression reminds us of the careful wording in the second article of faith: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression” (italics added). It also echoes a familiar distinction in the law. Some acts, like murder, are crimes because they are inherently wrong. Other acts, like operating without a license, are crimes only because they are legally prohibited. Under these distinctions, the act that produced the Fall was not a sin—inherently wrong—but a transgression—wrong because it was formally prohibited. These words are not always used to denote something different, but this distinction seems meaningful in the circumstances of the Fall” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 98; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 73).
“This suggested contrast between a sin and a transgression reminds us of the careful wording in the second article of faith: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression” (italics added). It also echoes a familiar distinction in the law. Some acts, like murder, are crimes because they are inherently wrong. Other acts, like operating without a license, are crimes only because they are legally prohibited. Under these distinctions, the act that produced the Fall was not a sin—inherently wrong—but a transgression—wrong because it was formally prohibited. These words are not always used to denote something different, but this distinction seems meaningful in the circumstances of the Fall” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 98; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 73).
Elder Dallin H Oaks also taught there is a difference between sins and mistakes:
"In teaching the Saints not to accuse one another, the Prophet said, “What many people call sin is not sin” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, [1976], 193). I believe that the large category of actions that are mistakes rather than sins illustrates the truth of that statement. If we would be more understanding of one another’s mistakes, being satisfied merely to correct and not to chasten or call to repentance, we would surely promote loving and living together in greater peace and harmony."
Bearing these things in mind, it really irks me when people say that we sin every day, implying there is not a day that goes by that we do not need to pray for forgiveness. [It's not just the LDS that say this.] Not everything we do that has bad consequences is sin. I think it is stupid to imply that no matter what we do in a day, we are sinning. Are there really so many commandments and laws that we cannot remember them all?
Ok. Let's say we do sin every single day. So, now what? We have to repent. How is repentance executed?
- Recognize your sin
- Feel sorrow for your sin
- Forsake your sin
- Confess your sin
- Make restitution
- Forgive others
- Keep the commandments-- including paying tithing, keeping the Sabbath Holy, obeying the Word of Wisdom, Sustaining Church Authorities, being kind to others, and praying
If you don't do all these things, say the LDS, you have not repented. You are still guilty of your sin. Say your sin was being angry with somebody. You can't just apologize and work on your anger issues-- you have to do a whole lot more. That sin will follow you your whole life if you don't obey all the commandments from that time forth. Since you sin every day, you are never obeying all the commandments, therefore you will never fully repent.
The idea that we are always sinners and can't fully repent can do a lot of damage to our self-worth. We are always made to feel guilty about everything we do. We are never good enough. You might say it keeps us humble, that's why we need a Savior.
LDS say "Jesus suffered for our sins, that we might not suffer if we would repent." Yet, as shown above, repentance is impossible. According to the LDS, not only did Jesus suffer, but so must I, because I can not ever fully repent.
Not only am I a horrible sinner, even if I try to be a good person, and in need of a Savior to save me from myself, I will also suffer for every wrong that I commit. In this case, what good is a Savior? And what good am I?
A few more points on the LDS perspective: If you commit a sin, repent of it, then commit it again, all your previous sins will return to you, because you have not truly repented. Also, there are tons of articles on LDS.org-- in their publications and magazines about how wonderful a gift repentance is. They teach it to the children in Primary classes as well. They teach it as if repentance is attainable. They teach that repentance is a daily chore. They never say that you cannot truly repent. They only state the steps and tell you how wonderful it is. With all the emphasis on the great gift of repentance, I wonder if any of them stop to consider its futility.
A few more points on the LDS perspective: If you commit a sin, repent of it, then commit it again, all your previous sins will return to you, because you have not truly repented. Also, there are tons of articles on LDS.org-- in their publications and magazines about how wonderful a gift repentance is. They teach it to the children in Primary classes as well. They teach it as if repentance is attainable. They teach that repentance is a daily chore. They never say that you cannot truly repent. They only state the steps and tell you how wonderful it is. With all the emphasis on the great gift of repentance, I wonder if any of them stop to consider its futility.
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