It is quite common for Christians to assume that all sins are equal to God. It could be because the Bible teaches that any sin separates us from God. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God“. James 2:10 also says, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” The Bible says that all sin, no matter how big or small it is, all sin is worthy of an infinite and eternal penalty. Everyone who sins, regardless of the sin they commit, is separated from God, except those who have received the “free” gift of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.
When we read the scriptures, it becomes clear that some sins are more offensive to God than others. God hates all sins, but the Bible is clear that He hates some sin more than others. In the Old Testament Law, there was a distinction between intentional and unintentional sins. If someone made an unintentional sin, they could bring a “sin offering” (Numbers 15:22-29). But the one who defiantly sins against God was to be cut off from God’s community (Numbers 15:30-31). Also, the Law is applied in varying degrees of punishment for sins committed based on the impact it had on others and how it dishonoured the name of God. An example of different degrees of sins can be found in Exodus 22 and Leviticus 30. A thief would have to pay restitution to the person offended. Anyone involved in the occult would have to leave the community of Israel and some sexual sins, and those dishonouring parents were required to pay with the death penalty.
Likewise, in the New Testament, Jesus also teaches that some sins are more significant than others. In Matthew 11:20-24, Jesus denounces the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for rejecting the message of Christ. Matthew 11:22 says, “But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.” In other words, on the day of judgment, all these lands will face judgment, but for some, the judgment will be more bearable. The reason for their judgment being greater is that their hearts were hard, and they rejected the message of Christ. Jesus says that if the wicked cities of the past heard the same message, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes (Matthew 11:21-23).
Again, Jesus speaks of a parable in Luke 12:35-48, where a wise manager goes away on a journey leaving a servant in charge of His household. This chief servant abuses the power given to him by getting drunk and beating the servants under him. The master returns on a day and hour the servant does not expect and catches him in his unfaithfulness. Jesus then explains that justice will be served because the servant knowing the master’s “will”, did not obey and was not faithful. Luke 12:47-48 says, “And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”
You see, the one who did not know the “will” of the master and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. But the one who knew the “will” of the master, and yet does not do his will, much more will be demanded of him in terms of judgment and punishment.
In conclusion, God is a perfect judge. According to scripture, not all sin is equal. But in terms of sin, all sin demands punishment, and the wrath of God is against all unrighteousness. As we read through these passages in the Bible, it is clear that much is required of those who know the will of God and yet continue in their sin. In other words, “blatantly disobeying God”. The truth of the matter is, all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The only hope to have redemption from any level of punishment is to receive salvation in Jesus Christ. It is only made possible because of the righteousness of God being made manifest in Christ, who came and died in the place of the sinner being the propitiation for sin. Anyone who believes in the name of Jesus, by faith, will be saved.
If you do sin, God has made it possible to be forgiven and restored. 1 John 2:1-2 says, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Amen!
