Claim. Sin and ruin are defined by the private-versus-public axis: pursuit of private interest beyond limits becomes evil; public-spirited life is the eternal preservation rule of heavenly law.
Elaboration. SMM defines sin operationally rather than as a list of acts: “What is sin? Sin arises from private standpoints. Ruin also comes about in the private sphere. Evil is the same. When private matters are pursued beyond a certain degree, they manifest evil. Private matters have certain limits; when exceeded, sin, evil and ruin result. Then, where is the position that can be eternally good, eternally prosperous and eternally fortunate? Where is the position that can prevent sin, evil and ruin? It is the public position” (2.7.6. Work for the public good, 31-163, 1970.5.24). The conscience itself enforces this: “Why? Because your conscience pursues public matters. If you follow private desires you will perish” (ibid, 31-241, 1970.6.4). The shift required for salvation is therefore from private-axis to public-axis living, not from one belief system to another. Sin is a position, not a list.