Equality Of Sins

[ardillacid]

Are all sins equal?

Are all venial sins equal?

Are all mortal sins equal?

Thank you in advance

[cappie]

Every sin, whatever it is, is an expression of a fallen nature that is rebellious against God. Sin is not just a physical act, such as stealing, but attitude of mind and desire of the heart. All sin is bad because it is contrary to God’s will. Although all sins are offensive to God, they are not all equal in the degree of offence.If all sins are equal it should make no difference how, or to what extent, you have sinned. Yet the Bible states punishment is not level but appropriate to each person’s sins, “according to what he has done.”

Jesus said of the scribes, who made a show of their religious zeal but were hypocritical, “These will receive greater condemnation” (Lk 20:47). How could the condemnation be greater unless the sin was greater? He said something similar when comparing the sin of those who were witnesses to his signs and wonders and remaining unrepentant to the inhabitants of Sodom. He said, “It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you” (Mtt 11:24).

When answering Pilate while under interrogation, the Lord said, “The one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin” (John 19:11). Pilate’s abuse of the Son of God was sin, but Jesus made it clear that Judas (and possibly he was also thinking of the religious leaders) was guilty of a sin that was greater. This and the above scriptures give clear indication that some sins incur greater condemnation than others. That does not lessen the tragedy of any sin, no matter how seemingly trivial. Sin separates us from God.

Church discipline operates on the basis that some sins are more destructive than others. An act of adultery would be considered more serious than a temper flare-up in an argument. Nevertheless we take all sin seriously, and endeavour to replace carnal behaviour with godly character.

All sin is bad, but not all sins are equal. All sin offends God and grieves his Holy Spirit. God demonstrates through his Son that he takes no delight in punishing sinners but would rather forgive. He can only do that, however, if we acknowledge the need to turn from our sins and accept God’s mercy. Even as seasoned Christians we dare not be complacent but be on our guard against sin. Only by keeping close to the Jesus Christ can we have victory over sin.

I hope this helps it's somewhat general.