ARE ALL SINS OF THE SAME DEGREE BEFORE GOD?

Protestants often make the assertion that there is no such thing as “big” sins and “little” sins, or else they will say something similar to dogmatically declare that all sin is the same in God’s sight.[1] And admittedly, there are some Scriptures that could be brought forward and interpreted in such as way to give support such an idea[2], but what does the overwhelming majority of the evidence show concerning such an assertion? While it is true that the Christian tradition (including the Old and New Testament) clearly speaks of a general state of sin or the general condition of being sinful (i.e., living/walking according to the flesh or being carnally minded in contrast to living/walking according to the Spirit or being spiritually minded[3]), the evidence also clearly reveals distinctions within that general state or condition showing that there are differences regarding not only quantity of sins, but also quality of sin(s). In John 19:11, it is recorded that Jesus spoke the following words to Pilate:

“You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

Looking at the statement above that was spoken by Jesus Christ, one would think that it would be fairly easy for His followers to accept the notion that there truly is such a thing as a greater sin—because in making this statement to Pilate, Jesus Christ Himself unambiguously used the language of comparison[4] when speaking of sin. But because Jesus’ professed followers are often inclined to dismiss the very words of the Author and Finisher of their faith (not to mention the plain, ordinary rules of grammar[5]) while preferring and holding tightly to the Reformed Protestant platitudes that they have been indoctrinated with, please consider the remainder of the evidence contained in this document, especially the Scriptures listed below that are accepted by all Christians as being part of the canon. Continue reading All Sins of the Same Degree? Levels of Punishment & Reward? →