Tuesday, January 15, 2013
So are some sins worse than others?
After last week's post on the truth that some commands are greater than others, Monty Montgomery asked an interesting question: are all sins equal?
So I decided that was worth looking into. They are not. One sin is worse than any other. It is so bad it is unforgivable, which sure makes it the worst sin of all. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an eternal sin. It is the only sin for which you will not be forgiven. So what is it? Jesus talked about in response to the accusation that he had an evil spirit and that he was driving out demons by by the power of the prince of demons. So I suppose it would have something to do with attributing God works to Satan. See Mark 3.
Hebrews 10 talks about the person who deliberately keeps on sinning after being converted. No sacrifice for sins remains for them, but an expectation of judgement and raging fire. I think in some way this refers to those who "obeyed the gospel" but never intended to live any differently. Deliberately mocking the sacrifice of Jesus. I know that in some ways every sin that any of us do is deliberate... that is, we make a choice. But this is evidently an intentional decision to lie to God and others.by not repenting (making an intentional effort to change your life).
So good news for those of you who may wrestle with whether you have crossed the uncrossable line: if you are repenting, confessing, trying... probably not. and i think that repentance can be sooner, or later. It just has to happen.
And some sins have greater consequences than others. All sins have consequences. I have never known a Christ follower to "think they got away with it." They recognize that even their "secret" sins have consequences. But consequences are not the same as evil. Sin is sin. Consequences may make it seem worse.
The obvious example is Eve's sin. Cast out of the Garden. Pretty big consequence. Opened the door for Satan. Big consequences for all of us. Set the pattern for male leadership and authority. Not a spiritual consequence maybe, but certainly a functional one.
And sexual sins are against your body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. No indication it is not forgivable, but it is in some sort of different category with special admonition against it. I think probably because it can hinder the Spirit's work in your life if you do not repent.
So one sin is worse. Intentional ongoing sin mocking your conversion is worse. Some sins have worse consequences. Some endanger your relationship with the Holy Spirit.
So here is the answer. Repent. Always repent. Strive to live more by the Spirit. Be thankful for grace.
So thank you God for loving, forgiving, healing, and giving your Spirit to help me live holy -- and wholly -- for you.
So I decided that was worth looking into. They are not. One sin is worse than any other. It is so bad it is unforgivable, which sure makes it the worst sin of all. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an eternal sin. It is the only sin for which you will not be forgiven. So what is it? Jesus talked about in response to the accusation that he had an evil spirit and that he was driving out demons by by the power of the prince of demons. So I suppose it would have something to do with attributing God works to Satan. See Mark 3.
Hebrews 10 talks about the person who deliberately keeps on sinning after being converted. No sacrifice for sins remains for them, but an expectation of judgement and raging fire. I think in some way this refers to those who "obeyed the gospel" but never intended to live any differently. Deliberately mocking the sacrifice of Jesus. I know that in some ways every sin that any of us do is deliberate... that is, we make a choice. But this is evidently an intentional decision to lie to God and others.by not repenting (making an intentional effort to change your life).
So good news for those of you who may wrestle with whether you have crossed the uncrossable line: if you are repenting, confessing, trying... probably not. and i think that repentance can be sooner, or later. It just has to happen.
And some sins have greater consequences than others. All sins have consequences. I have never known a Christ follower to "think they got away with it." They recognize that even their "secret" sins have consequences. But consequences are not the same as evil. Sin is sin. Consequences may make it seem worse.
The obvious example is Eve's sin. Cast out of the Garden. Pretty big consequence. Opened the door for Satan. Big consequences for all of us. Set the pattern for male leadership and authority. Not a spiritual consequence maybe, but certainly a functional one.
And sexual sins are against your body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. No indication it is not forgivable, but it is in some sort of different category with special admonition against it. I think probably because it can hinder the Spirit's work in your life if you do not repent.
So one sin is worse. Intentional ongoing sin mocking your conversion is worse. Some sins have worse consequences. Some endanger your relationship with the Holy Spirit.
So here is the answer. Repent. Always repent. Strive to live more by the Spirit. Be thankful for grace.
So thank you God for loving, forgiving, healing, and giving your Spirit to help me live holy -- and wholly -- for you.
