Not all sins are created equal

This is not a popular topic but a necessary one. There is a myth roaming the Christian community that all sins are equally grievous. This is not the case. While all sins are an affront to the holiness of God and a violation of His character, all sins are not created equal. Lusting after a woman is a sin but not of the same magnitude as actually following through with the act. Hebrews 2:2 says: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. ² For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, ³ how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” Also in 2 Corinthians 5:10 it says “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” These two passages indicate that at the throne of judgment, each of us will receive what we are due according to what we have done. So–not all sins are created equal.

Before us, that is US citizens, we have a presidential election that will be ugly, contentious, and wholly without honor. I cannot and will not presume to instruct anyone how to vote as the subject is particularly onerous and bleak. Both choices are objectionable in so many ways. So what is a Christian supposed to do when faced with this choice?

We are to do exactly what we should always do in this world with the choices we are offered–honor the Lord and be an instrument in His hands of furthering His kingdom. So then, you must ask yourself, which candidate offers the best opportunity to share the gospel? Which candidate will be an instrument for God’s perpetual call to take care of widows and orphans? Which candidate will foster a climate in which Christians can speak the truth into the community? Both will require constant and vigilant prayer once elected and we must be up to the task.

There are sins our nation has committed for which we will not recover, they are so grievous. The harvesting of aborted baby parts for sale? Do we really think God doesn’t know about this and weeps? The redesign and distortion of marriage, God’s holy creation for one man and one woman? Do we really think we know better who is “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh”? Arrogance doesn’t begin to describe our thinking. These are not little peccadillos–these sins have altered the warp and weft of the human condition in the US and the world and we must repent. Which candidate is able to lead us down that road?

⁴ Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? ⁵ But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

⁶ He will render to each one according to his works…

So Americans, pray and go vote! It is an ugly choice so be brave and ready to give an account, for one day you will. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”