The degrees of sin: building a Christian conscience – R C Sproul
In the following 27 minute teaching video, Sproul clarifies aspects of biblical Christianity that have been misunderstood by non-Christian groups and cultures such as pagans and secularists.
The following points are highlights [bracketed statements, emboldening and underscoring are mine]:
- R C read an essay by a renowned psychiatrist (Mr. X) wherein he complained about Jesus’ statements in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically, statements about lust and anger: Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
- And regarding anger: 5:22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
- X believed that Jesus’ statements caused humans to experience unnecessary guilt, much more than they would experience if lustful thoughts were not counted as adultery…
- X argued, regarding anger: If I hate you, I have certainly done you harm, my hatred would diminish your joy and happiness… but the harm of hatred does not compare with that of murder; e.g. if I murdered you, your wife would be without a husband; your children without a father…
- X wondered how a wise person could equate anger and murder
- R C agreed only with that specific part of Mr. X’s argument and then he explained what Jesus was saying, because Mr. X had misunderstood
- The Old Testament is full of distinctions regarding sin, R C gave numerous examples
- He next explained that sin should be viewed as a continuum ranging from good to evil; e.g., regarding the continuum of lust to adultery, chastity would be at the end of good and adultery at the end of bad.
- Chastity—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–|—–Adultery
- R C gave examples of the kinds of behaviors that would fall in between chastity and adultery
- Thereafter, he explained that the entire continuum is considered sin by God. The commandment not to commit adultery includes all of the steps between chastity and adultery, excluding chastity
- That command, and all others, also call one to do good to others
- R C looked at the Roman Catholic distinction between mortal and venial: mortal kills the grace of justification; venial does not
- John Calvin criticized Rome, saying that all sins are mortal according to the Bible
- The smallest sin is an act of cosmic treason against the Almighty God
- Calvin also believed that the idea of venial sin causes people to think those sins are not bad [it is therefore, unbiblical]
- Calvin and the reformers [those holding biblical doctrinal beliefs in line with the Protestant Reformation] did make a distinction between sins: petty and gross
- R C explained the significance of that distinction, part of that distinction had to do with Christians knowing what kinds of sin to tolerate in their brothers and sisters in the faith; and sins for which one should be disciplined by the church…
- The apostle Paul issued warnings against heaping up sin, e.g.: Romans 2:6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
- The following words of Jesus indicate degrees of sin: John 19:11 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.”
- The concepts of gradations of sin and punishment derive from God’s justice [it is thorough, complete justice]
- Righteousness is measured in a similar way by God, those who have performed greater works of righteousness will receive greater rewards
- The merit of Christ alone will get one into heaven; but one’s rewards will be in accord with his works after conversion
- R C articulated numerous things God takes into account when issuing judgment
- every idle word will be taken into account when He assesses one’s spiritual condition
- As we seek to build a Christian conscience and character, we should seek to diminish sin and increase blessings
The following Ligonier videos came up at YouTube when I searched ‘building a Christian conscience.’ Some are clearly related to the above video:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ligonierministries/search?query=building%20a%20christian%20conscience