Are all sins equal?

The unbiblical equalitarian sin doctrine is very popular these days. Well meaning Christians who teach that all sin is equal are actually doing much to advance the agenda of the devil. Certainly any sin, no matter how "small," justly sentences the sinner to hell.

• Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
• Romans 3:9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin

· 1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

Likewise, "little" sins in the life of a Christian grieve the Holy Ghost, stunt spiritual growth, and are stepping stones to worse rebellion.

• Isaiah 63:10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. Therefore He turned Himself to become their enemy. He fought against them.
• Ephesians 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit

However, that does not mean God views and responds to all sin the same. Consider, for instance,

• John 19:11 Jesus answered, "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."

Leviticus chapter 18 gives a list of sins for which God will destroy a nation.

· Leviticus 18:25-30 25'For the land has become defiled, therefore I have brought its punishment upon it, so the land has spewed out its inhabitants. 26 'But as for you, you are to keep My statutes and My judgments and shall not do any of these abominations, neither the native, nor the alien who sojourns among you 27 (for the men of the land who have been before you have done all these abominations, and the land has become defiled); 28 so that the land will not spew you out, should you defile it, as it has spewed out the nation which has been before you. 29 'For whoever does any of these abominations, those persons who do so shall be cut off from among their people. 30 'Thus you are to keep My charge, that you do not practice any of the abominable customs which have been practiced before you, so as not to defile yourselves with them; I am the LORD your God.'"

Note: Included in the list are: incest, sex during menstruation, adultery, human sacrifice, blasphemy, homosexuality and bestiality

The Bible tells us that innocent bloodshed pollutes the land and can only be expiated by the execution of the murderer.

• Numbers 35:33 So you shall not pollute the land in which you are; for blood pollutes the land and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.
• Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.

Proverbs chapter six contains a list of sins which are "an abomination" to God. Clearly not all sins are listed. The fact that these are singled out as “abominations” demonstrates their unique status among sins.

• Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.

Paul makes it clear that there are sins which define the person living in them as not being a Christian.

· 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

Sodom was destroyed by fire and brimstone because of sexual perversion, sin which God labels "very grievous". When was the last time a city had that happen to it for gum stealing?

· Genesis 18:20-23 And the LORD said, "The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. 21 "I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know." 22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the LORD. 23 Abraham came near and said, "Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?