INTRODUCTION

In many ways, sin is sin. However, the Bible does seem to indicate that sins carry varying weights. The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was "very grievous" (Genesis 18:20And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
See All...). Joseph indicated that taking the wife of his master would have been a "great wickedness" (Genesis 39:9There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
See All...). Moses declared that Israel’s idolatry in the wilderness was a "great sin" (Exodus 32:31And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
See All...). The sins of Eli’s sons were "very great" before the LORD (1 Samuel 2:17Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.
See All...). David confessed that he had "sinned greatly" (1 Chronicles 21:8And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
See All...). And, according to the Saviour, there was one that had the "greater sin" than that of Pilate (John 19:10-11 [10] Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? [11] Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
See All...). Though sin is sin, it seems scriptural that some sins are greater than others.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Through visions, God showed Ezekiel the sins that were being committed in the temple (2 Chronicles 36:14Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.
  See All...). In each vision, the sin became greater than the one Ezekiel saw before (Ezekiel 8:6He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.
  See All..., 13, 15). God was just in allowing His people to go into captivity.
• What are descriptive words associated with sin (i.e., abomination)? Is it possible that some of these terms actually indicate varying weights of sin?
• If all sins are a violation of God’s law, why would some sins be greater than others? Do some sins bring more reproach to the Lord? Do some sins bring more harm to others?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to guard you from the greater sins.
• Ask the Lord to help you understand the complexities of sin.

HYMN

Before the Throne of God

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