Ever hear someone say “well my sin isn’t as big as his sin”
or “my lawbreaking is a big as hers?” I have and I find it annoying that 1)
people would compare. Sin is still sin and breaking the law is still breaking
the law. Second, committing sin is different from breaking the law. There is a
difference. Sin is an immoral act which is considered to be a transgression
against divine law. Laws are man made system of rules that are enforced through
social institutions to govern behavior. While some laws are derived from divine
law, there are differences how man and God see these crimes.
Misdemeanors are crimes which are punishable by a fine and/or
confinement for up to a year. These crimes are considered less serious than
felonies. There are three degrees of misdemeanors and are classified different
state by state. First, Class A misdemeanors are punishable by confinement up to
a year and/or a fine of $500 to $5,000. For example, possession of a controlled
substance and resisting arrested. Second, Class B misdemeanors are punishable
by confinement up to six months. Examples of a Class B can shoplifting and
first offense DUI. Lastly, Class C misdemeanors are punishable by confinement
up to 30 days or a fine. Examples of Class C are public intoxication and theft
under $50. Violations are often lumped together with misdemeanors and are
punishable by a fine only.
Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by death or
imprisonment in a state or federal penitentiary for one year or more. There are
four degrees of felonies. First, Capital offenses carry the maximum penalty of
death. Examples are murder, espionage and treason. Second, a first degree
felony has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Examples are arson, burglary
and robbery. Third, a second degree felony has a maximum penalty of ten years
imprisonment. Examples are assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated battery
and aggravated arson. Lastly, a third degree felony has a maximum penalty of
five years imprisonment. Examples are embezzlement, theft, and fraud. There are
some felonies which can be classified as a misdemeanor depending on the state
and judge, these are known as wobblers.
Sin is disobedience to God. For example, the Ten
Commandments are God’s laws about certain behaviors. Many of the laws in the
Bible stem from these ten. In the eyes of God, sin is sin. There are no bigger
sin or smaller sin. Murder and lying are equal to God and carry the same
penalty: spiritual death. A just and perfect God could not just simply forget
sins. He must deal with the injustice of sin, all sins. Sin is sin in God’s
eyes despite being big or small in our eyes. God is holy and righteous that He
cannot accept any sin regardless of how big or small it may be. In the Old
Testament, the practice of a sacrificial lamb was established to cover the sins
of the people. In the New Testament, Jesus came and fulfilled prophecy to be
the ultimate sacrificial lamb.
In conclusion, the main difference between manmade laws and
sin is after time served, the offender is usually free to go while sin carries
an eternal punishment. What we really need to do is stop comparing. Don’t make yourself
better because you only commit “little sins” or “little crimes.” It is little only
in the eyes of man, not in the eyes of God. We need to take responsibility for
our wrongdoings and admit that we do wrong. How many of you speed? All of us do
but not all of us have gotten caught. Misdemeanors, felonies and sin are still
wrongdoings. Even though misdemeanors and felonies have various degrees, sin
does not. We all have fallen short of the glory of God and are redeem through Jesus
Christ (Romans 3:23-24) for those who willingly accept it.
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