To God, Sin Is Sin: What the Bible Says About Ranking Sin
Sin is Sin to God
Introduction: Is All Sin the Same in God’s Eyes?
Many people ask, “Is all sin equal?” or say, “Sin is sin - there’s no difference.”
But is that what the Bible teaches?
The short answer is:
All sin separates us from God and brings judgment.
But not all sin is equal in consequences, responsibility, or impact.
Let’s dive into Scripture to understand the nuanced view the Bible presents about sin.
COMMENTS:
It is Important to Remember that all sin ultimately separates from God and unconfessed, will lead to Death.
We needed to emphasize this to demonstrate the ultimate consequences of all sin prior to continuing with this Study. This emphasis is important to not give the wrong impression about unconfessed sin.
Romans 6:23 (KJV)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
1. All Sin Is Rebellion Against God
Key Verse:
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Every sin - whether lying or murder - causes us to fall short of God's standard.
Sin at its core is not just bad behavior - it’s rebellion against God’s rule.
Supporting Verses:
James 2:10 – “Whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”
Even breaking one law shows we're a lawbreaker in need of grace.
Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God…”
All sin causes separation from a holy God and Ultimately unconfessed, leads to death.
2. Not All Sin Carries Equal Consequences
The Bible clearly shows that some sins carry greater earthly and spiritual consequences.
A. Greater Judgment for Greater Sin
John 19:11 – Jesus said to Pilate, “The one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
Jesus acknowledged that some sins are “greater” in guilt.
This suggests that God does distinguish levels of moral responsibility.
B. Degrees of Punishment
Luke 12:47-48 – “That servant who knew his master’s will... will be beaten with many blows. But the one who did not know... will be beaten with few blows.”
There are degrees of accountability and judgment, based on knowledge and intent.
C. Sins That Cry Out
Some sins in the Bible are described as “crying out” to God:
Genesis 4:10 – Abel’s blood cries out after Cain murders him.
Genesis 18:20 – The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah’s sin is “very grave.”
These descriptions highlight the seriousness and widespread impact of certain sins.
3. Jesus Spoke of “Weightier Matters” of the Law
Matthew 23:23 – “You tithe... but have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”
Jesus didn't say other matters were unimportant - but emphasized some laws are weightier.
This shows not all sins are morally equivalent, even though all are sin.
4. Intent and Heart Matter to God
1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Two people may commit similar sins, but:
One may sin out of ignorance.
Another may sin willfully or with malice.
Hebrews 10:26 – “If we go on sinning deliberately... there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”
Willful sin brings greater condemnation than sins of weakness or ignorance.
COMMENTS:
It is Important to Remember that all sin ultimately separates from God and unconfessed, will lead to Death. With that said, the Bible does seem to imply that willful or malice sins towards others may carry a higher degree of guilt or contempt.
5. Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
Jesus called blasphemy of the Holy Spirit the “unforgivable sin”:
Mark 3:29 – “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness.”
While all sin is serious, some sin leads to unique spiritual consequences, especially persistent rejection of God’s grace.
COMMENTS:
We have all sinned and are in need of forgiveness. We should take care not to grieve the Holy Spirit which brings the unpardonable sin or unforgivable sin.
6. Common Misunderstanding: “Sin is Sin”
The phrase “sin is sin” is partially true:
True: All sin separates us from God.
False if misapplied: Not all sin is treated the same in Scripture.
This simplification can lead to:
Minimizing serious sin ("a lie is just as bad as murder")
Avoiding responsibility for greater sins
Ignoring grace and growth by assuming all failure is equal
Summary Table: Biblical View of Sin
Truth - All sin separates
Explanation - Any sin breaks fellowship with God
Key Verses - Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:2
Truth - Some sin is Greater
Explanation - Jesus calls some sins “greater”
Key Verses - John 19:11, Matthew 23:23
Truth - Degrees of punishment
Explanation - Based on knowledge and intent
Key Verses - Luke 12:47-48
Truth - God judges motives
Explanation - The heart matters
Key Verses - 1 Samuel 16:7, Hebrews 10:26
Truth - Some sins are abominable
Explanation - Certain sins are said to “cry out”
Key Verses - Genesis 18:20, Proverbs 6:16-19
Truth - One sin is unpardonable
Explanation - Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
Key Verses - Mark 3:29
Application: How Should Christians Respond?
Take all sin seriously - Don’t downplay “small” sins.
Don’t judge self-righteously - Remember we’ve all sinned and need grace.
Repent quickly - Especially of willful, repeated sin.
Pursue holiness - Ask the Holy Spirit for help overcoming sinful patterns (Galatians 5:16).
Offer grace to others - Knowing we’ve all been shown mercy (James 2:13).
Supporting Bible References
Romans 3:23 – All have sinned
James 2:10 – Guilty of breaking one part = guilty of all
Isaiah 59:2 – Sin separates from God
John 19:11 – Greater sin
Luke 12:47–48 – Degrees of punishment
Matthew 23:23 – Weightier matters of the law
1 Samuel 16:7 – God looks at the heart
Hebrews 10:26 – Willful sin
Mark 3:29 – Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
Proverbs 6:16–19 – Seven things the Lord hates
COMMENTS:
Always Remember to take some time each day in Thoughtful Prayer and in His Holy Word the Bible.