Other Greater Sins

Bulletin

Dan Peters
08/20/23 - Sin

Other Greater Sins

This is now the 4th passage in this series. “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” —because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Mark 3:28-30). Yes, this is a difficult passage, but one thing is clear: Jesus thinks these sins are different. Therefore not all sins are the same. We never want to fail God with any sin, but some are weightier (Mat. 23:23) says Jesus.
Now there are several passages that place some sins with a greater punishment. “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” (Luke 20:46-47). Now Jesus doesn’t specify what “greater condemnation” means exactly, but the idea is clear enough. This is also consistent with what Jesus says about degrees of punishment.
“And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” (Luke 12:47-48).
People want to stay away from the Bible, they don’t want to “get ready or act in accord with his will”. But even when a person wants to stay ignorant of God’s will, closes the ears to the Bible, this doesn’t mean they won’t get punished for breaking it. If we have done “deeds worthy of a flogging”, whether ignorant or not, we will be punished for them.
Yet there is an escape from this punishment. Jesus tells us, “You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40, whole context 12:35-48). Are you ready to meet Jesus? Have you heard him? Have you obeyed him? Have you repented of your past sinful lifestyle? Have you confessed his name? Have you been baptized “for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:36-38)? Are you staying ready, being faithful to his teaching? Thinking about his lessons? His opinion of you and me will be the only thing that matters. Jesus is the one who said, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Let us hear & do! Dan Peters