Many have frowned upon the sins of others while they are dealing with some themselves, which in their mines classified as smaller or justifiable. But before we answer the main question we need to understand what really is sin and why is it sin.
What is sin?
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4
Answer: Sin is the transgression or breaking of God’s law.
So since sin is the breaking of God’s law, what then is the Law of God? We know that to be the Ten Commandments which was “written with the finger of God”.
What are the consequences of sin?
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2
Answer: Sin separates us from God.
In God’s eye sin is sin. We can do the “smallest” sin and it is still distasteful to God. Whichever one we cherish it all separates us from God. The sins which man is disposed to look upon as small may be the very ones which God accounts as great crimes. The drunkard or homosexual is despised and is told that his sin will exclude him from heaven, while pride, selfishness, and covetousness go unrebuked. But these are sins that are especially offensive to God.
The Bible has also stated that in the breaking of one commandment we have broken all. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
However our final punishment or judgment is based on the sins we have committed. For the Bible states “… and they were judged every man according to their works” Rev 20:13. Also Romans 2:6 God “Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” Those who also know God’s law and do it not will be severely punished. “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.” This indicates that there is a measure to God’s punishment, a certain number of stripes according to our sins. The Bible also indicates that “every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward.” Heb 2:2. Everyone punished would have received what they deserved.
Did Jesus mention degrees of sin?
Jesus also shows there are degrees of sin when speaking of those who would deliver Him to be persecuted “…therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” Matt 19:11
If there are different degrees of punishment for sin, obviously there are different degrees of sin. God does not regard all sins as of equal magnitude; there are degrees of guilt in His estimation as well as in that of finite man. But however trifling this or that wrong in their course may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the sight of God.