Are some sins greater than others?

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MOC

Member
Mar 20, 2020
84
69
18
#1
Is all sin equal or are some greater than others? Let us remember that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven(accept the rejection of Christ). Forgiveness is offered to every sinner; no sin is so great that Jesus' blood doesn't cover. Thank you, Jesus! It would seem that scripture reveals to us that some sins are worse than others. By God's standards, ALL sin is severe and ALL sin is deserving of eternal punishment.

We have heard the saying, "all sin is sin." This is a saying that is used rather loosely among the Christian community. In terms of human relationships we have with one another, the bible gives us different levels or degrees of sin. The sin's effects upon us and also the consequences of it during our time here on earth. There are some who preach that "all sin is sin", and that the bible doesn't recognize a distinct difference in it being any greater than the other. They point to James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." The law is not to justify the sin, rather bring awareness of that sin. If one is a murderer, yet does not steal, that person is still breaking the law.

John 19:11 Jesus says, "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin." Jesus is speaking to the Roman ruler Pilate. Jesus tells him that the one who betrayed him and led Jesus to Pilate is the one with the greater sin.

Matthew 5: 21-28 The religious leaders of Jesus' day taught that it was okay to think on what you wanted to do, as long as you don't act on those desires. In this passage, Jesus was actually acting upon a specific desire. "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery." Jesus never states that these examples of sin are at the same level of degree.

Revelation 20:12-15 "And the dead were judged according to their works." In verse 13, "and they were judged every man according to their works." The books that are opened contain the records of all humanity. The unsaved people are punished by being bound to the Lake of Fire, but they are also judged according to their "works". It would seem, because of the different degrees of sin, that there may be different degrees of torment in the Lake of Fire.

In Romans chapter seven, Paul describes the battle that Christians fight their entire lifetime with sin. He even describes evil being present during the times in which he tries to do good. Paul ends Romans seven with this, "so then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Paul deeply desires to serve our Heavenly Father, but acknowledges the constant conflict between the Spirit and Flesh. It could be argued that the Christian is neither dominated by sin nor righteousness, but is dominated by conflict.

James 3:1 "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." Here, "masters" is translated as teachers. So, anyone who is called to preach, teach, or mentor of any kind has a greater responsibility and is held at a higher standard, which results in "greater condemnation." This is why Jesus was so hard on the Pharisees. Those who knew the law of God but rejected Jesus' Divinity were held to greater condemnation than the ones who were ignorant of the law. In this verse, the Apostle James shows us that the teacher has a greater responsibility, than that of the student who puts his trust in that teacher.

Matthew 11:21-24 Jesus rebukes the cities that did not repent, "woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida!........but I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you." Clearly, Jesus taught us there is a difference in the level of sins that we commit.

Remember, we should repent from ALL sin, even if we think it's small or big. ALL sin condemns those who don't believe in Christ. We are ALL deserving of the Lake of Fire. Christ paid that punishment for those who accept Him. The Bible also reveals to us that there are levels of torment for the lost. This would have to mean different levels of sin that Christians have to repent from. Jesus was not giving Pontius Pilate a pass for his sin but rather making it clear that his role was not as serious as that of Judas Iscariot.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#2
Is all sin equal or are some greater than others? Let us remember that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven(accept the rejection of Christ). Forgiveness is offered to every sinner; no sin is so great that Jesus' blood doesn't cover. Thank you, Jesus! It would seem that scripture reveals to us that some sins are worse than others. By God's standards, ALL sin is severe and ALL sin is deserving of eternal punishment.

We have heard the saying, "all sin is sin." This is a saying that is used rather loosely among the Christian community. In terms of human relationships we have with one another, the bible gives us different levels or degrees of sin. The sin's effects upon us and also the consequences of it during our time here on earth. There are some who preach that "all sin is sin", and that the bible doesn't recognize a distinct difference in it being any greater than the other. They point to James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." The law is not to justify the sin, rather bring awareness of that sin. If one is a murderer, yet does not steal, that person is still breaking the law.

John 19:11 Jesus says, "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin." Jesus is speaking to the Roman ruler Pilate. Jesus tells him that the one who betrayed him and led Jesus to Pilate is the one with the greater sin.

Matthew 5: 21-28 The religious leaders of Jesus' day taught that it was okay to think on what you wanted to do, as long as you don't act on those desires. In this passage, Jesus was actually acting upon a specific desire. "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery." Jesus never states that these examples of sin are at the same level of degree.

Revelation 20:12-15 "And the dead were judged according to their works." In verse 13, "and they were judged every man according to their works." The books that are opened contain the records of all humanity. The unsaved people are punished by being bound to the Lake of Fire, but they are also judged according to their "works". It would seem, because of the different degrees of sin, that there may be different degrees of torment in the Lake of Fire.

In Romans chapter seven, Paul describes the battle that Christians fight their entire lifetime with sin. He even describes evil being present during the times in which he tries to do good. Paul ends Romans seven with this, "so then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Paul deeply desires to serve our Heavenly Father, but acknowledges the constant conflict between the Spirit and Flesh. It could be argued that the Christian is neither dominated by sin nor righteousness, but is dominated by conflict.

James 3:1 "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." Here, "masters" is translated as teachers. So, anyone who is called to preach, teach, or mentor of any kind has a greater responsibility and is held at a higher standard, which results in "greater condemnation." This is why Jesus was so hard on the Pharisees. Those who knew the law of God but rejected Jesus' Divinity were held to greater condemnation than the ones who were ignorant of the law. In this verse, the Apostle James shows us that the teacher has a greater responsibility, than that of the student who puts his trust in that teacher.

Matthew 11:21-24 Jesus rebukes the cities that did not repent, "woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida!........but I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you." Clearly, Jesus taught us there is a difference in the level of sins that we commit.

Remember, we should repent from ALL sin, even if we think it's small or big. ALL sin condemns those who don't believe in Christ. We are ALL deserving of the Lake of Fire. Christ paid that punishment for those who accept Him. The Bible also reveals to us that there are levels of torment for the lost. This would have to mean different levels of sin that Christians have to repent from. Jesus was not giving Pontius Pilate a pass for his sin but rather making it clear that his role was not as serious as that of Judas Iscariot.
Perhaps, but all have the same root and same cure. Only God can decide levels, I suppose. Only He knows motivations and states of the hearts.

>
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,253
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Almost Heaven West Virginia
#3
I John 2 2
"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

I'm not jumping on you for this, after all I studied under a pastor for many years who held to the view that Jesus did not pay for the sins of unbelief.
I believe that Jesus paid for all sins, including those of unbelief.
Why?
A. Unlimited atonement
B. Sins are not paid for by our own turning from them or adding any other good works. So, I went from being an unbeliever in Christ, trusting my good works to repenting (changing my mind) about the Object of salvation. He is now the sole object of faith.
It may sound nit-picky, but look at the specific reason He gives the gift. Not on the basis of giving up sins, even that sin of unbelief. He just tells us that Jesus bore all of our sins and He imparts that gift when we choose to believe on Him.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,253
4,296
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#4
Are there degrees of sins?

Ummm. 🙄

I'm not sure where this got started, but I have heard sermons that the preachers were emphatic about this theory. Who knows why that gained popularity.

Yes. Of course there are various degrees of sins.

Jesus paid for all sins and there are worse sins than others.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,253
4,296
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Almost Heaven West Virginia
#5
MOC,

You said,"Is all sin equal or are some greater than others? Let us remember that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven(accept the rejection of Christ). Forgiveness is offered to every sinner; no sin is so great that Jesus' blood doesn't cover. "

Agreed!

I interjected a thought concerning a statement that I heard a hundred times under a pastor or two. That the sin of unbelief was not paid for. I went back and reread your post again to note that you did not say that statement although it sounded similar. I agree that God will not forgive a person who rejects Christ.

AFTER salvation a believer maintains fellowship with the Lord, but not salvation, by repenting as oft as necessary, confessing it to the Father. I John I :9

I wasn't sure what you mean in your last paragraph in reference to Judas other than that he had the greater sin.
I appreciate your breakdown of the verses like in James.
 

Snacks

Well-known member
Feb 10, 2022
1,410
771
113
#6
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit not withstanding, all sins are equal in that they all separate us from God and require Christ’s blood for cleansing and redeeming.
 

JohnB

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2022
2,078
456
83
Calif
#7
Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! Matt. 18:7
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,300
3,129
113
#8
Is all sin equal or are some greater than others? Let us remember that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven(accept the rejection of Christ). Forgiveness is offered to every sinner; no sin is so great that Jesus' blood doesn't cover. Thank you, Jesus! It would seem that scripture reveals to us that some sins are worse than others. By God's standards, ALL sin is severe and ALL sin is deserving of eternal punishment.

We have heard the saying, "all sin is sin." This is a saying that is used rather loosely among the Christian community. In terms of human relationships we have with one another, the bible gives us different levels or degrees of sin. The sin's effects upon us and also the consequences of it during our time here on earth. There are some who preach that "all sin is sin", and that the bible doesn't recognize a distinct difference in it being any greater than the other. They point to James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." The law is not to justify the sin, rather bring awareness of that sin. If one is a murderer, yet does not steal, that person is still breaking the law.

John 19:11 Jesus says, "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin." Jesus is speaking to the Roman ruler Pilate. Jesus tells him that the one who betrayed him and led Jesus to Pilate is the one with the greater sin.

Matthew 5: 21-28 The religious leaders of Jesus' day taught that it was okay to think on what you wanted to do, as long as you don't act on those desires. In this passage, Jesus was actually acting upon a specific desire. "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery." Jesus never states that these examples of sin are at the same level of degree.

Revelation 20:12-15 "And the dead were judged according to their works." In verse 13, "and they were judged every man according to their works." The books that are opened contain the records of all humanity. The unsaved people are punished by being bound to the Lake of Fire, but they are also judged according to their "works". It would seem, because of the different degrees of sin, that there may be different degrees of torment in the Lake of Fire.

In Romans chapter seven, Paul describes the battle that Christians fight their entire lifetime with sin. He even describes evil being present during the times in which he tries to do good. Paul ends Romans seven with this, "so then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Paul deeply desires to serve our Heavenly Father, but acknowledges the constant conflict between the Spirit and Flesh. It could be argued that the Christian is neither dominated by sin nor righteousness, but is dominated by conflict.

James 3:1 "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." Here, "masters" is translated as teachers. So, anyone who is called to preach, teach, or mentor of any kind has a greater responsibility and is held at a higher standard, which results in "greater condemnation." This is why Jesus was so hard on the Pharisees. Those who knew the law of God but rejected Jesus' Divinity were held to greater condemnation than the ones who were ignorant of the law. In this verse, the Apostle James shows us that the teacher has a greater responsibility, than that of the student who puts his trust in that teacher.

Matthew 11:21-24 Jesus rebukes the cities that did not repent, "woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida!........but I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you." Clearly, Jesus taught us there is a difference in the level of sins that we commit.

Remember, we should repent from ALL sin, even if we think it's small or big. ALL sin condemns those who don't believe in Christ. We are ALL deserving of the Lake of Fire. Christ paid that punishment for those who accept Him. The Bible also reveals to us that there are levels of torment for the lost. This would have to mean different levels of sin that Christians have to repent from. Jesus was not giving Pontius Pilate a pass for his sin but rather making it clear that his role was not as serious as that of Judas Iscariot.
Christians should not be satisfied with sinning, repenting and sinning again. It is possible to live in victory. We are saints who sometimes sin, not sinners by nature.

Sin is sin but yes, there are degrees. Also, sin has consequences - we reap what we sow. Stealing an apple is not as consequential as murdering someone. A Christian I knew backslid and went back to his homosexual lifestyle. He died of AIDS. He was forgiven, but God did not heal him.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,425
6,704
113
#9
Is all sin equal or are some greater than others? Let us remember that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven(accept the rejection of Christ). Forgiveness is offered to every sinner; no sin is so great that Jesus' blood doesn't cover. Thank you, Jesus! It would seem that scripture reveals to us that some sins are worse than others. By God's standards, ALL sin is severe and ALL sin is deserving of eternal punishment.

We have heard the saying, "all sin is sin." This is a saying that is used rather loosely among the Christian community. In terms of human relationships we have with one another, the bible gives us different levels or degrees of sin. The sin's effects upon us and also the consequences of it during our time here on earth. There are some who preach that "all sin is sin", and that the bible doesn't recognize a distinct difference in it being any greater than the other. They point to James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." The law is not to justify the sin, rather bring awareness of that sin. If one is a murderer, yet does not steal, that person is still breaking the law.

John 19:11 Jesus says, "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin." Jesus is speaking to the Roman ruler Pilate. Jesus tells him that the one who betrayed him and led Jesus to Pilate is the one with the greater sin.

Matthew 5: 21-28 The religious leaders of Jesus' day taught that it was okay to think on what you wanted to do, as long as you don't act on those desires. In this passage, Jesus was actually acting upon a specific desire. "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery." Jesus never states that these examples of sin are at the same level of degree.

Revelation 20:12-15 "And the dead were judged according to their works." In verse 13, "and they were judged every man according to their works." The books that are opened contain the records of all humanity. The unsaved people are punished by being bound to the Lake of Fire, but they are also judged according to their "works". It would seem, because of the different degrees of sin, that there may be different degrees of torment in the Lake of Fire.

In Romans chapter seven, Paul describes the battle that Christians fight their entire lifetime with sin. He even describes evil being present during the times in which he tries to do good. Paul ends Romans seven with this, "so then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Paul deeply desires to serve our Heavenly Father, but acknowledges the constant conflict between the Spirit and Flesh. It could be argued that the Christian is neither dominated by sin nor righteousness, but is dominated by conflict.

James 3:1 "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." Here, "masters" is translated as teachers. So, anyone who is called to preach, teach, or mentor of any kind has a greater responsibility and is held at a higher standard, which results in "greater condemnation." This is why Jesus was so hard on the Pharisees. Those who knew the law of God but rejected Jesus' Divinity were held to greater condemnation than the ones who were ignorant of the law. In this verse, the Apostle James shows us that the teacher has a greater responsibility, than that of the student who puts his trust in that teacher.

Matthew 11:21-24 Jesus rebukes the cities that did not repent, "woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida!........but I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you." Clearly, Jesus taught us there is a difference in the level of sins that we commit.

Remember, we should repent from ALL sin, even if we think it's small or big. ALL sin condemns those who don't believe in Christ. We are ALL deserving of the Lake of Fire. Christ paid that punishment for those who accept Him. The Bible also reveals to us that there are levels of torment for the lost. This would have to mean different levels of sin that Christians have to repent from. Jesus was not giving Pontius Pilate a pass for his sin but rather making it clear that his role was not as serious as that of Judas Iscariot.
If a man break the least of the laws he has broken all of th elaw.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,428
113
#10
In order to understand how Christ sees our sins, we need to go back to study the sacrificial system that Christ made perfect. Christ fulfilled everything that was symbolized of him.

Every word of scripture, new testament and old testament is truth. The old testament is written in stone--in flesh. It is symbolic of the spirit of the Lord that Christ brought in.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,675
6,865
113
#11
The simple answer is "Yes." Some sins are greater than others, and one sin is unforgiveable. Just as "rewards" given in heaven differ, sins differ.

That being said, the penalty for ALL sins is spiritual death.

There are sins of "omission." Sins that one does accidentally, not meaning to. Such sins are easily forgiven by God if one immediately recognizes their "slip," and asks God to forgive them.

There are sins of "comission." Such sins are "intentionally committed," and not as easily forgiven as the first. The 6th Chapter of Hebrews says:

4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

IMO only I suspect, I believe those who committ sins of "comission" will only receive forgiveness for them if they "suffer in the flesh" for that forgiveness. I know it is a weird concept, but I have seen instances where such things happened, and could only explain it in such a way.

As for crucifying Jesus twice, the writer of Hebrews opens up a delima IMO. For the precious blood Jesus shed on Calvarys cross was sufficient for ALL sins for ALL men, for ALL time.

Again, IMO, when one asks forgiveness, it is the "applying" of the blood that cleanses us of our sins...... not Jesus being "crucified again." The blood is there, and always will be there until the end of time.
 

Moses_Young

Well-known member
Sep 15, 2019
9,974
5,531
113
#12
If all sins were equal, the Old Testament wouldn't require the death penalty for sins such as murder, but a sin-offering for other sins.

Of course, all sin separates us from God. So whether a sin is large or small, without Jesus, it's enough to doom one to Hell.
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,581
3,616
113
#13
Is all sin equal or are some greater than others? Let us remember that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven(accept the rejection of Christ). Forgiveness is offered to every sinner; no sin is so great that Jesus' blood doesn't cover. Thank you, Jesus! It would seem that scripture reveals to us that some sins are worse than others. By God's standards, ALL sin is severe and ALL sin is deserving of eternal punishment.

We have heard the saying, "all sin is sin." This is a saying that is used rather loosely among the Christian community. In terms of human relationships we have with one another, the bible gives us different levels or degrees of sin. The sin's effects upon us and also the consequences of it during our time here on earth. There are some who preach that "all sin is sin", and that the bible doesn't recognize a distinct difference in it being any greater than the other. They point to James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." The law is not to justify the sin, rather bring awareness of that sin. If one is a murderer, yet does not steal, that person is still breaking the law.

John 19:11 Jesus says, "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin." Jesus is speaking to the Roman ruler Pilate. Jesus tells him that the one who betrayed him and led Jesus to Pilate is the one with the greater sin.

Matthew 5: 21-28 The religious leaders of Jesus' day taught that it was okay to think on what you wanted to do, as long as you don't act on those desires. In this passage, Jesus was actually acting upon a specific desire. "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery." Jesus never states that these examples of sin are at the same level of degree.

Revelation 20:12-15 "And the dead were judged according to their works." In verse 13, "and they were judged every man according to their works." The books that are opened contain the records of all humanity. The unsaved people are punished by being bound to the Lake of Fire, but they are also judged according to their "works". It would seem, because of the different degrees of sin, that there may be different degrees of torment in the Lake of Fire.

In Romans chapter seven, Paul describes the battle that Christians fight their entire lifetime with sin. He even describes evil being present during the times in which he tries to do good. Paul ends Romans seven with this, "so then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Paul deeply desires to serve our Heavenly Father, but acknowledges the constant conflict between the Spirit and Flesh. It could be argued that the Christian is neither dominated by sin nor righteousness, but is dominated by conflict.

James 3:1 "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." Here, "masters" is translated as teachers. So, anyone who is called to preach, teach, or mentor of any kind has a greater responsibility and is held at a higher standard, which results in "greater condemnation." This is why Jesus was so hard on the Pharisees. Those who knew the law of God but rejected Jesus' Divinity were held to greater condemnation than the ones who were ignorant of the law. In this verse, the Apostle James shows us that the teacher has a greater responsibility, than that of the student who puts his trust in that teacher.

Matthew 11:21-24 Jesus rebukes the cities that did not repent, "woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida!........but I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you." Clearly, Jesus taught us there is a difference in the level of sins that we commit.

Remember, we should repent from ALL sin, even if we think it's small or big. ALL sin condemns those who don't believe in Christ. We are ALL deserving of the Lake of Fire. Christ paid that punishment for those who accept Him. The Bible also reveals to us that there are levels of torment for the lost. This would have to mean different levels of sin that Christians have to repent from. Jesus was not giving Pontius Pilate a pass for his sin but rather making it clear that his role was not as serious as that of Judas Iscariot.

One sin is different from all others.. It is Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.. It is the only one that shall never have forgiveness in this world or the next..

(Mark 3:28-29) "Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: {29} But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:"
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,253
4,296
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#14
Are there degrees of sins?

Ummm. 🙄

I'm not sure where this got started, but I have heard sermons that the preachers were emphatic about this theory. Who knows why that gained popularity.

Yes. Of course there are various degrees of sins.

Jesus paid for all sins and there are worse sins than others.
1 John 5:16-17
16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
.17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

someone already beat me to posting this, but I guess it bears repeating since I ve grown up hearing that all sin is the same in degree. A man is condemned by a mere one sin of lying, Revelation 22:8, when they have chosen to believe that lie that good works can save. However, anyone who is determined to read the Bible from cover to cover just once will see the variety of sins.
IF someone is still unconvinced, please ask yourself if the last time you told a lie is equal to the school massacres in the news the last couple of months.
The problem is that many pastors/ priests are not saved and they simply parrot what they have been told to teach their churches.
A spiritually blind person devoid of the Holy Spirit and the inner character to separate from those institutions will continue teaching/ preaching to the unsuspecting masses.....even while offering masses.

"Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin."

I thank the Lord that He is our Solution for sins and our Savior.
Have a blessed day!
 

AndrewMorgan

Active member
Jul 10, 2022
375
81
28
#16
I find it hard to believe that all sins are "equal". Is driving a car ten miles an hour faster than the speed limit (thereby breaking Caesar's laws) equal to mass murder? If so, why did say Job was righteous, but Judas was described as a devil?
 

AndrewMorgan

Active member
Jul 10, 2022
375
81
28
#17
What proof (preferably from the Bible) is there that, to God, all sin is equal?
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,411
13,754
113
#18
Jesus makes it clear that some sins are greater than others...

John 19:11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

It's good to understand that the "greatness" of a sin has a lot to do with the consequences thereof. Some sins (adultery, for example) have huge consequences. Some have small consequences. Lie to a stranger, it may not affect you; lie to the IRS (or its equivalent in your country) and you may go to prison.

Ultimately, there is only one punishment for sin: death.
 

TDidymas

Active member
Oct 27, 2021
311
69
28
#19
Is all sin equal or are some greater than others? Let us remember that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven(accept the rejection of Christ). Forgiveness is offered to every sinner; no sin is so great that Jesus' blood doesn't cover. Thank you, Jesus! It would seem that scripture reveals to us that some sins are worse than others. By God's standards, ALL sin is severe and ALL sin is deserving of eternal punishment.

We have heard the saying, "all sin is sin." This is a saying that is used rather loosely among the Christian community. In terms of human relationships we have with one another, the bible gives us different levels or degrees of sin. The sin's effects upon us and also the consequences of it during our time here on earth. There are some who preach that "all sin is sin", and that the bible doesn't recognize a distinct difference in it being any greater than the other. They point to James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." The law is not to justify the sin, rather bring awareness of that sin. If one is a murderer, yet does not steal, that person is still breaking the law.

John 19:11 Jesus says, "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin." Jesus is speaking to the Roman ruler Pilate. Jesus tells him that the one who betrayed him and led Jesus to Pilate is the one with the greater sin.

Matthew 5: 21-28 The religious leaders of Jesus' day taught that it was okay to think on what you wanted to do, as long as you don't act on those desires. In this passage, Jesus was actually acting upon a specific desire. "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery." Jesus never states that these examples of sin are at the same level of degree.

Revelation 20:12-15 "And the dead were judged according to their works." In verse 13, "and they were judged every man according to their works." The books that are opened contain the records of all humanity. The unsaved people are punished by being bound to the Lake of Fire, but they are also judged according to their "works". It would seem, because of the different degrees of sin, that there may be different degrees of torment in the Lake of Fire.

In Romans chapter seven, Paul describes the battle that Christians fight their entire lifetime with sin. He even describes evil being present during the times in which he tries to do good. Paul ends Romans seven with this, "so then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Paul deeply desires to serve our Heavenly Father, but acknowledges the constant conflict between the Spirit and Flesh. It could be argued that the Christian is neither dominated by sin nor righteousness, but is dominated by conflict.

James 3:1 "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." Here, "masters" is translated as teachers. So, anyone who is called to preach, teach, or mentor of any kind has a greater responsibility and is held at a higher standard, which results in "greater condemnation." This is why Jesus was so hard on the Pharisees. Those who knew the law of God but rejected Jesus' Divinity were held to greater condemnation than the ones who were ignorant of the law. In this verse, the Apostle James shows us that the teacher has a greater responsibility, than that of the student who puts his trust in that teacher.

Matthew 11:21-24 Jesus rebukes the cities that did not repent, "woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida!........but I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you." Clearly, Jesus taught us there is a difference in the level of sins that we commit.

Remember, we should repent from ALL sin, even if we think it's small or big. ALL sin condemns those who don't believe in Christ. We are ALL deserving of the Lake of Fire. Christ paid that punishment for those who accept Him. The Bible also reveals to us that there are levels of torment for the lost. This would have to mean different levels of sin that Christians have to repent from. Jesus was not giving Pontius Pilate a pass for his sin but rather making it clear that his role was not as serious as that of Judas Iscariot.
In a Bible study group of 8 people (from various churches), I made the statement that some sins are worse than others, and almost immediately most of the people in the group objected. I had to quote scripture and explain in order to quell the uproar. This experience shows that the false idea that all sins are the same to God has infiltrated the churches, and this has become a controversial subject. I take it you started this thread knowing the same.

But just a single verse of scripture proves that the "all sins are the same" theory is false - 1 John 5:16. If there is sin leading to death and sin not leading to death, then all sins are NOT the same. So anyone knowing the scripture can discern when a preacher is speaking truth or error.
 
Dec 9, 2011
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I find it hard to believe that all sins are "equal". Is driving a car ten miles an hour faster than the speed limit (thereby breaking Caesar's laws) equal to mass murder? If so, why did say Job was righteous, but Judas was described as a devil?
You’re christian right? Would you ask such a fundamental question.