Understanding the Severity of Sin in Christian Doctrine: A Contemporary Perspective

As a new Christian, I have often heard others refer to the 'seven deadly sins'—pride, lust, greed, avarice, gluttony, and laziness. However, where does it say in the Bible that one sin is greater than another? This question is at the heart of our discussion today.

The Inherent Nature of Sin

In the context of a holy and pure God, sin is sin, period. The seven deadly sins merely encapsulate various forms of sin. Moreover, there are three unforgivable sins: unforgiveness, rejecting Christ, and blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Blaspheming involves either knowing or claiming to know God, attributing His work to either a human act or to Satan.

Is All Sin Equal?

While all sin is deadly, no matter how small, if we persist in it and do not repent, it has the potential to keep us out of heaven. Matthea 5:28 emphasizes that attaching values to sins is not a Christian practice. Instead, it is created by various churches to generate wealth and power over people. This stems from the original lie: 'You shall not surely die by simply eating of this fruit; it will make you like gods' (Genesis 3:4). This misinterpretation thwarts God's word, as discussed further in Romans 5:12.

Evangelical Perspectives and Sin Severity

The erroneous idea that all sins are of equal severity is often attributed to the Evangelical wing of the church. While even the slightest sin is deserving of hell, it does not mean all sins are of equal severity. The idea that no sin is greater than another is flawed.

"The commonsense notion that some sins are worse than others is correct," explains Jonathan Edwards, an 18th-century American pastor and theologian. For example, gossiping about a coworker should not be equated with stabbing them and burying them in the woods. This perspective acknowledges that the acts of sin carry vastly different consequences and that differing degrees of sin exist.

The Role of the Seven Deadly Sins

It is important to note that the seven deadly sins are not explicitly derived from the Bible. However, a sober-minded study of them can be edifying. Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, a professor who has extensively written and spoken on the subject, offers valuable insights into these sins, particularly in her work "Acedia: Resistance to the Demands of Love: Aquinas on the Vice of Sloth."

Further Reading

For those interested in a deeper understanding of these concepts, I recommend the following resources:

Acedia: Resistance to the Demands of Love: Aquinas on the Vice of Sloth Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung

Ultimately, the severity of sin is a nuanced and complex question that requires thoughtful consideration. Each sin carries its own weight, and understanding these nuances can help us to live more faithfully and justly in our communities.