There is an old joke about a man and his son who went to hear a famous preacher in a revival. When he returned home, his wife asked her husband, a man of a few words, “How was the preaching?”
“Fine.” he responded.
“What did he preach on? She asked.
“Sin.” He replied.
“Well, what did he say about it?” she pursued.
“He was against it!”
The past two posts have been about sin. And we have been against it! They have been in response to a reader who asked, “In light of your blog and comments Wed. And Thurs, next week could you write about the topic of sin. Specifically, does God rank sin or is all sin the same to Him?” For the context of his question, refer back to those posts
https://thepreachersword.com/2013/07/04/is-america-a-god-fearing-nation/
https://thepreachersword.com/2013/07/03/no-standard/
Consider these five Bible facts about sin:
(1) All sin is an affront to a holy God ( Gen 39:9)
(2) Sin separates us from the fellowship of God (Isa 59:1-2)
(3) Committing one sin is regarded as being guilty of the law of God (Jas 2:8-13)
(4) The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23).
(5) All of us are guilty of sin. There is none righteous. No, not one! (Rom. 3:10)
Often we hear someone say, “It was just a white lie.” Oh, are there “white lies” and “black lies?” This Bible says, “You shall not lie.” I read of no difference. There are no “big sins” or little sins.”
In Paul’s warning about the works of the flesh idolatry is listed with adultery; lust with fornication; hatred with murder; and jealousy with drunkenness. All are wrong. And regarded by God as sinful.
There is, however, a difference in the impact that sin has upon us. Others. And society. Consider these two Bible examples.
When David lusted after Bathsheba, he sinned. But what if he had stopped right there? The impact of that sin would be far less. Later he repented. But adultery was committed. A man murdered. A child died. A nation disgraced. And his family ruined.
When Joseph’s brothers envied him, they sinned. When they with murderous hatred threw him into the pit, they sinned. But their kidnapping and selling him into slavery constituted a greater impact upon him and upon their family.
While God regards hate, lust and greed as sins. The consequences of murder, adultery and stealing have a greater impact on others, than do the sinful thoughts.
Sins that impact relationships are especially hurtful. Sins that involve immorality have a singular effect that are different from other sins. Paul said so in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
In addition Paul’s condemnation of homosexuality seems more severe than other sins (Rom 1:20-32). He used words like “shameful,” “dishonorable,” and “degrading.” I wonder why? I think the text provides some insight. He says it is a sin that is “against nature,” and “depraved.” There are some serious implications morally, socially and personally when we violate God’s natural and spiritual laws. The fall of ancient civilizations lend proof to that fact.
However, let me be clear, the same text that condemns the homosexuality also condemns the heterosexual fornicator (1 Cor 6:9-11). In terms of one’s standing before God, it is all sin. Yet, as we have seen some sins may have a greater impact in this life.
Finally, I would suggest there is a difference between a willful sin of direct disobedience to God, a sin of omission where we fail to do something, a sin of ignorance, and a sin where one unintentionally slips. The difference has to do with attitude. Heart. Motive. And may result in the ability for someone to quickly and easily repent of that sin.
If this was the end of the matter, we would all be in a sorry state! But thanks be to God, there is an answer to the sin problem! In tomorrow’s post, IT’S FRIDAY, BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! We will share the Good News!
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
My word of the day, month, and year is “struggling”. How does one hold to principles of our Faith while also always following Christ’s 2nd most important commandment? This is just plain hard sometimes.
I hope I can be respectful (in Agape that I sure hope Ken knows I have for him), but while Ken is constructing the above argument based on Scripture — this is not what Scripture clearly and directly tells us (like James 2:10). Sin can not be ranked. Ranking sin is man’s thinking/logic (no matter how well constructed), not God’s. In God’s eyes the sins of homosexuality, hurtful discrimination, and bigotry are equal.
It is true that homosexuality is defined by Scripture as a sin (Rom. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 6:9). However, it is also true that the Bible does not place that sin as being any greater or different than other sins. In fact, in the places it is mentioned, it is done alongside fornicators, drunkards, and those who are envious, covetous, and deceitful. Therefore, to argue that this sin is the greatest of all, or to sin in response to one guilty of that sin (as is being horribly done in Kenya) is equally wrong and reprehensible.
When the Supreme Court overturned DOMA, over 1,000 examples of hurtful discrimination to downright bigotry was cited. These hurtful actions did not effect only individuals but innocent children in gay families by denying things like health care, insurance, hospital visitation, survivor benefits to gays (like to brave police officers who die to protect all of us), workplace discrimination protection (ability to fire someone because they are gay). The list goes on and on (over 1,000).
I sure don’t know the answer to all of this, but I do know this — Everytime we stand up for the principles of our Faith, we need to be equally vocal that this includes strongly condemning the sins of hurtful discrimination and bigotry also. And per the Book of James, we need to “walk the talk” (not just saying words), demanding from our elected officials to enact anti-discrimination and bigotry laws towards gays.
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Stephen I appreciate your kind words and attitude for me personally. I think you have read something into my post that is not there. I did not rank sin! I clearly said that all sin is an affront to God….is condemned…etc. What I did point out that there are different consequences to sin…some sins are more serious in their impact on others, as well as one’s self. Lust is just as much a sin as immoral sexual behavior. But no one ever got aids through lust! Or any other STD. So while sin is equal in the eyes of God, the consequences of it are not. Secondly, I feel like you are confusing what the Gospel addresses in terms of my personal response and the spiritual relationship I have with the response of our government/lawsand the various social injustices. Christ died to save us from sin…not to cure all social ills. Christians should be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. I can only do what I can do in this world. I can’t solve all of its ills. You say that you don’t know what the answer is to all the inequities you mentioned. Well, I don’t either. If everyone follow the teaching of Christ, it solve much of this. But that will never happen Finally, I would suggest there is no right way to do a wrong thing. If something is wrong/sinful, I’m not in favor of trying to making it easier to do wrong. Thank you for reading. And commenting. Also thank you for the suggestion of writing on sin. Check back tomorrow and we’ll take about the answer to the sin problem.
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Dear Ken — I need to clarify something. I sure don’t know what the “secular” answer is to all of this, but I’m 1000% confident that you will again provide us what “THE” answer is in tomorrow’s blog.
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