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.