WLC 150

Q150. Are all transgressions of the law of God equally heinous in themselves, and in the sight of God?

All transgressions of the law of God are not equally heinous; but some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

Proof texts

• John 19:11 — [11] Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
• Ezek. 8:6,13,15 — [6] And he said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel are committing here, to drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see still greater abominations.” [13] He said also to me, “You will see still greater abominations that they commit.” [15] Then he said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? You will see still greater abominations than these.”
• 1 John 5:16 — [16] If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life — to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
• Ps. 78:17,32,56 — [17] Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. [32] In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe. [56] Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God and did not keep his testimonies,

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited John 19:11 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WCF 27.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q88 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · 1689 28.1