Dear Neighbor,
Question 83 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
Are all transgression of the law equally heinous?
The answer given:
Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
The Roman governor Pilate believed that he had authority to release or crucify Jesus. Jesus did consider it sin that Pilate should crucify him, but Jesus considered the sin of those who turned him over to Pilate to be greater.
Jesus answered Pilot, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” (Jn. 19:11, NASB)
By this text, I agree with the puritans, that some sins are more heinous in the sight of God than others, but I do not think that we should believe that the sins we consider more heinous, are the sins that God considers more heinous.
We should all consider that God sees sin differently than we do; for God sees anger and slander as murder, (Mt. 5:22) lust as adultery, (Mt. 5:28) and the making oaths by things that we have no control over as lying. (Mt. 5:37) Speaking against Jesus (seen) is forgivable, but speaking against the Holy Spirit (unseen) is unforgivable. (Mt. 12:32)
Michael Peek
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
