What is the nature of sin?

Sin is a terrible barrier between God and man, but Jesus Christ removed this barrier at the cross by becoming sin for all men (2 Cor. 5:21). Sin is unlike God's holy character and is therefore sinful. There are three types of sin: imputed sin, inherent sin, and personal sin. Imputed sin is the sin of Adam placed to the account of every offspring (Rom. 5:12), resulting in every human being being born spiritually dead (John 3:17). Inherent sin is the unique sin nature inherited from parents (John 3:6; Gal. 5:17). Personal sin results from individual choices and serves as outward evidence of the sin nature (Rom. 3:23). Sin is categorized as mental, verbal, or overt actions. The holy character of God is the only standard for measuring sin.