Is One Sin Worse than Another

  • Some claim that sins labeled an “abomination” are, by virtue of the descriptor, worse.
    • See Abomination word study.
    • The two main “abominable” things are unclean animals and idols, although not exclusively.
    • That which causes our trust to be placed other than in God is abominable.
    • The other words translated “abominable” are connected to each other. The meaning is to find something to be disgusting.
      • Genesis 46:34 Shepherds were disgusting to Egyptians.
      • Genesis 43:32 Egyptians found eating with Hebrews disgusting.
      • Exodus 8:26 The Hebrew method of sacrifice was disgusting to Egyptians.
      • 1 Chronicles 21:6 Joab considered David’s order to count the people disgusting.
      • Psalm 88:8 The despairing psalmist describes himself as having become disgusting to his friends.
      • Leviticus 18:30 The practices of the Canaanites are called disgusting.
      • Deuteronomy 14:3 Unclean animals are to be considered disgusting.
      • Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Deuteronomy 22:5 Homosexuality et al is to be considered disgusting.
      • Deuteronomy 7:25 – 26, 12:31, 17:4, 27:15 Idols and associated practices are disgusting.
      • Deuteronomy 13:14, 18:12 Advocating for other gods is disgusting.
      • Deuteronomy 17:1 Bringing blemished sacrifices is disgusting.
      • Deuteronomy 23:18 Offering the proceeds of prostitution is disgusting.
      • Deuteronomy 24:4 Re-marrying a wife previously divorced and married to another (and divorced) is disgusting.
      • Deuteronomy 25:16, Proverbs 3:32, 6:16, 8:7, 11:1, 11:20, 12:22, 15:8 – 9, 15:26 All those who behave unrighteously are disgusting to the Lord.
      • Proverbs 13:19, Psalm 14:1, 53:1 Departing from evil is disgusting to a fool.
  • Lists of sins in the New Testament
    • Romans 1:26 – 32 Why are people the way they are?
    • Galatians 5:19 – 21 Contrast of law versus Spirit
    • Colossians 3:5 – 11 Contrast between the old and the new person
    • 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11 Such were some of you
    • The collections cover a wide variety of sins without classifying one as worse than another.
  • Contrast: Matthew 5:48 Therefore, you shall be perfect as your Father in heaven in perfect.
    • “Therefore” sets a contrast with the many inconsistencies described in 5:19 – 47.
    • Only good can be consistent. Evil is always inconsistent.
    • 1 Peter 1:16 (Leviticus 11:44 – 45, 19:2, 20:7) Be holy for I am holy.
  • Conclusion: A wide variety of inconsistent behaviors and thoughts are called abominable or disgusting.  No one type of evil has been singled out as more or less.