all sins not equal

I heard someone say something like, "All sins are the same in God's eyes." I assume they say this in order to 1) encourage those who are broken from their sins that God doesn't play favorites and 2) humble those who take pride in their perceived holiness.

Unfortunately, I fear that this statement is wrong. Even though the conclusion is good I think the premise is poor. It is correct to say that all sins separate us from God. But all sins are NOT the same in God's eyes.

Jesus says to Pilate referring to Caiaphas, "You have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he [Caiaphas] who delivered Me to You has the greater sin." (John 19:11)

As High Priest, Caiaphas should have known better than to deliver his Messiah over to death. It's as Jesus says, "[the] slave who knew his master's will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes..." (Luke 12:47) As compared to the few lashes received by the ignorant slave.

I think this false principle stems from a misunderstanding of the doctrine of sin. All sin separates us from God. (see Romans 3:23) This is very true! But that doesn't necessarily mean that all sin is the same. We can see this just by looking at the various consequences of our sin. The unfortunate reality is that some sins have greater consequences than others. So also some sins are greater than others in God's eyes. God doesn't see a murderer and a thief the same even though both sins separate them from God for eternity.

And yet we must preach that God doesn't play favorites. Our good works done in unrighteousness are filthy rags to God. If one wants to encourage those who are broken from their sins that God is full of grace towards all people no matter the magnitude of their sin, then I recommend taking them to Ephesians 2 where Paul says, "It is by Grace you are saved;" or 1 Timothy 1 where Paul admits that God shown him mercy so that the "worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience."

What do you think?

The 7 Deadly Sins

The Roman Catholic Church developed a list of vices to educate humanity on the various temptations that may overtake us. I found this list helpful in classifying the root of my sins. Until recently, I never knew that the Roman Catholic Church also recognizes Seven Holy Virtues which correspond to each of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Vice                               Virtue
Lust (excessive sexual appetites)  Chastity (purity of soul)
Gluttony (over-indulgence)         Temperance (self-restraint)
Greed (avarice)                    Charity (giving)
Sloth (idleness)                   Diligence (zeal/integrity)
Wrath (anger)                      Forgiveness (composure)
Envy (jealousy)                    Kindness (admiration)
Pride (vanity)                     Humility (humbleness)

It's interesting to know that a debate has ensued about the sin which encompasses the others. For instance, is lust an over-indulgence of sexuality or a laziness (sloth) to be chaste or a self-centered desire to please oneself (pride)?

What do you think?