Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 10/23/2006

Question
Why do people say that no sin is worse than another when Jesus said to Pilate something to the effect "You would have no power over me if it weren't given you from above. Therefore he who has delivered me to you has the greater sin"?

Also: is listening to Christian music an act of worship? For example: Handel's Hallelujah Chorus?         Thank you.

Answer
Anon,

Good questions. I will do by best to answer them. Here is the verse you referenced…

John 19:11
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Yes it is correct that all sins are the same (a sin is a sin…). But different sins have different consequences. All sin’s have a built in consequence, but these consequences vairy in the effects.

For example, if I happened upon a small pond, and all around this pond was signs saying “Do not throw anything whatsoever in pond. Ripples will cause adverse effects to indigenous water fowls.” Then if I were to throw a very small pebble into the pond, I would be guilty of violating the posted law. I would have been guilty, but the effects of a very small pebble would have more than likely not caused any harm to the water fowls. But if I were to somehow launch a 3 ton bolder into the pond, then it is obvious that not only would I be guilty of throwing something into the pond, but the effects would be much greater than a mere pebble.

Such is the case with Pilate and the religious leaders. Pilate had limited knowledge of the Scriptures, whereas the religious leader had vast knowledge. Pilate did not have as great an understanding as the leaders. The Bible teaches us that it is this (our knowledge or lack thereof) by which those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will be punished. In other words, some will suffer more in hell because of the greater knowledge and opportunities they had in life to be saved. While others who may have had only one chance will not suffer as much.

Luke 12
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 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.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Also, Christian music that glorifies God is perfectly fine. Though merely listening to it would not constitute worship. No more than being in a garage would make me a car. There is a Biblical pattern of public and private worship, and the Scriptures teaches us how to worship our God. It is Gods will for every born-again Believer to worship and praise the Lord, and that their worship must be "in Spirit and in Truth."  These expressions of praise and worship recorded in the Bible are the template for which we are to follow.
Psalms 29:2; Psalms 67:3; Psalms 47:1; Psalms 134:2; I Timothy 2:8; Psalms 150:3-5; Psalms 149:3; Acts 3:8; John 4:23-24

Anon, please let me know if this helps, or if you have any further questions.
Elder Greg Madden

http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1