not all sin is equal

Back in September Michael Patton wrote a good article rejecting the notion that All Sins Are Equal in God's Sight ... here's his outline of examples he offers. I agree with him.

• Christ tells Pilate that the Jewish leaders have committed a worse sin than him, saying, “He who has handed me over to you has committed the greater sin” (Jn. 19:11, emphasis mine).
• Certain sins in the law are distinguished in a particular context as an abomination to God, implying that others are not as severe (e.g. Lev. 18:22; Deut. 7:25, Deut. 23:18,Isa. 41:24).
• Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is set apart as a more severe sin than blasphemy of the Son (Matt. 12:31)
• Proverbs 6:16-19 lists particular sins in such a way as to single them out because of their depraved nature, separating them from others.
• There are degrees of punishment in Hell depending on the severity of the offense (Lk. 12:47-48).
• Christ often evaluates the sin of the Pharisees as greater than the sins of others. You strain out a gnat while you swallow a camel (Matt. 23:24). If all sins are equal, Christ’s rebuke does not make any sense. (See also Lk. 20:46-47)
• Similarly, Christ also talked about the “weightier things of the law” (Matt. 23:23). If all sins are equal, there is no law (or violation of that law) that is “weightier than others.” They are all the same weight.
• Unforgiveness is continually referred to as a particularly heinous sin (Matt. 6:14-15; 18:23-35).

I also perceive that sexual immorality (1 Cor 6.12ff) is more grievous along with failings of leaders (Lk 12.48; expectations of elders and Christ's rebukes toward religious leaders).

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