Westminster Larger Catechism
Q.150. Are all transgressions of the law of God equally heinous in themselves, and in the sight of God?
A. 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 [m].
[m] John 19:11 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.
Ezekiel 8:6 but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations. Ver.13 Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. Ver.15 turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these.
1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
Psalm 78:17 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. Ver.32 For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Ver.56 Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies.
Westminster Larger Catechism
Q.151. What are those aggravations that make some sins more heinous than others?
A. Sins receive their aggravations,
| 1. From the persons offending [n] if they be of riper age [o], greater experience or grace [p], eminent for profession [q], gifts [r], place [s], office [t], guides to others [v], and whose example is likely to be followed by others [w]. |
From the persons offending [n]
[n] Jeremiah 2:8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.
if they be of riper age [o],
[o] Job 32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. Ver.9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
Ecclesiastes 4:13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
greater experience or grace [p],
[p] 1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. Ver.9 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
eminent for profession [q],
[q] 2 Samuel 12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
gifts [r],
[r] James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his Lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. Ver.48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
place [s],
[s] Jeremiah 5:4-5 Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God. Ver.5 I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.
office [t],
[t] 2 Samuel 12:7-9 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel,— Ver.8 And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Ver.9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight?
Ezekiel 8:11-12 And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up. Ver.12 Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.
guides to others [v],
[v] Romans 2:17-24 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, Ver.18 And knowest his will,— Ver.19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, Ver.20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes,— Ver.21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Ver.22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Ver.23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? Ver.24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you.
and whose example is likely to be followed by others [w].
[w] Galatians 2:11-14 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. Ver.12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. Ver.13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. Ver.14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
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