The book of Amos begins with declarations of judgment against various nations. The form of the declarations is uniform, beginning with the phrase, “for three transgressions… and for four.” For example, “Thus says the Lord: ‘For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron” (Amos 1:3). Also included are declarations against, Gaza (1:6), Tyre (1:9), Edom (1:11), Ammon (1:13), Moab (2:1), Judah (2:4) and Israel (2:6).
These simple declarations reveal why God’s judgment comes upon any people, either collectively or individually. They come because of transgressions. The Hebrew word in this context (pesa) is translated in the Old Testament using words like, transgression, sin, trespass and rebellion.
The word transgression is used 5 times in the NKJV of the New Testament. One example is found in Hebrews 2:2. “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord…” (Hebrews 2:2-3a).
The Greek word is (parabasis). Strong’s Lexicon defines it as: violation, – breaking, transgression. An interesting example of how the Greek word is translated is found in Romans 2. Here Paul wrote, “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’ as it is written” (Romans 2:21-24).
Usage gives us a great idea of what is transgression. It is the breaking of God’s law. Someone who steals breaks the law of God, as does one who commits adultery, and one who is a thief. The truth is a simple one — when God issues a command (or a prohibition), a transgression or breaking of that command or prohibition brings judgment.
In our culture, this is a principle that is ignored by even religious people. Homosexuality is a transgression of God’s law (cf. Romans 1:27). Marrying without God’s approval is a transgression (cf. Romans 7:3). Worshipping in ways God has not specifically authorized is a transgression (cf. Matthew 7:21-23). Forsaking worship assemblies constitutes a breaking of God’s law (cf. Hebrews 10:24-25).
Calvinist theology does not take into account that even God’s chosen people will be judged for transgressions, if a penitent spirit is not present. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:9-10).
Too many religious people seem to think that God will not judge us for breaking His laws. The idea that God’s love would lead Him to excuse transgression is simply wrong. Such a concept exists only in the imaginations of men. It is nowhere to be found in scripture.
Remember, God’s love goes hand in hand with His righteousness. This is why Paul stated plainly concerning transgressors: “knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death” (Romans 1:32). Reject those who claim God overlooks sin. He does not. Obey Him!
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