Is All Sin Equal?

[Calminian]

The teaching that "all sins are equal" is another one of those garbage doctrines that defies both scripture and common sense, yet are popular among Christians.

The only truth there is to it is that even the smallest sin separates us from God. Just the same, conviction for even the smallest crime leaves you with a criminal record.

Why do people believe such garbage? I think the biggest reason is because cowardly Christians are afraid of being hated by the world. "No, no, no, I'm not any better than you. Sure, you rape boys and married another man, but I'm the chief of sinners!"

Yet it's shockingly prevalent in the Church. It's a way to avoid dealing with serious sins.

Takes me back to Paul's admonition of a serious sin in the Corinthian church.

1Cor. 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.​

I could just imagine how modern churches would have dealt with this. "Yes, but we're all sinners, and this is just one of many sins. We're about love and forgiveness, not judgment, yada yada yada."

 

[Van]

Hi, I would like to know if all sin is equal? I've always been told this, but while reading John 19:11, Jesus mentions "The one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin" before His Crucifixion.

John 19:11 "Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin."

I have not read past the OP, so sorry if this is redundant.

Sin has two consequences.

1) Any sin, every sin, results in being in an unholy status, resulting in "eternal punishment." So from this perspective, all sin is equal. Further, since we all were "made sinners" (Romans 5:19) we are all condemned to "eternal punishment" from conception.

2) In addition, any sin, every sin results in saving up wrath (punishment specific for that sin) so the punishment will be "more tolerable" for those whose sinned in less egregious ways. Hindering the ministry of Christ is a big no no. John 19:11 is just one place where this truth is taught.