To understand what we're being saved from, maybe it might good thing to look at what we're being saved to. Knowing the God who created the world is a wonderful thing. You and God get to know each other on a daily basis. Just imagine, having a friend that you can always depend on, and always trust. Before we go any farther, let's find a simple definition of sin.
Sin is basically an act of un-love.
If you really love someone you won't want anything except good things for them. God is no different. It doesn't matter how much, or how little black paint you put in the water, after the first drop the water is no longer clear. After the very first sin we commmit, we are no longer Holy. We need to understand that God looks at sin much differently than we do.