By Gary Ray Branscome
Since we have a “Nature
that is corrupt according to deceitful lusts” actual sin consists of every
transgression of the divine Law in desire, thought, word, and deed, that a
heart “Deceitful above all things and desperately wicked,” produces in
us (Ephesians
The words, “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,
murder, adultery, immorality, theft, false witness, blasphemy,” tell us
that sinful thoughts, words and deeds are evil in the sight of God (Matthew
15:19). And, the words, “I am telling you, that whoever looks on a woman to
lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart,”
condemn evil thoughts in no uncertain terms (Matthew
The words, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that those
who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have
pleasure in those who do them,” condemn those who, even without engaging in
certain sins, encourage and take pleasure in those who do commit them, [and
that includes those who excuse homosexuality] (Romans 1:32). And, the words, “Whoever
knows what is right, and does not do it, sins,” condemn all who fail to do
what is right (James 4:17).
The words, “Abraham journeyed from there toward the
south country, and settled between Kadesh and Shur, and lived for a time in Gerar.
And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech
king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah, but God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold,
you are a dead man, because of the woman that you have taken; for she is a
man’s wife… restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will
pray for you, and you will live: but if you do not restore her, know that you
will surely die, you, and all who are yours,” tell us that God condemns
sins that we are not even aware of (Genesis 20:1-3 and 7). However, the words,
“And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and did not get ready, and did
not do what his master wanted, will be beaten with many lashes. But the one who
does not know, and committed deeds worthy of flogging, will be beaten with few
lashes. For to whom much is given, much will be required: and from one who has
been entrusted with much, more will be asked,” tell us that God punishes
willful sin far more harshly than sins of ignorance (Luke
The words, “The works of the flesh are obvious, which
are; Adultery, fornication, sexual filthiness, sensuality,” refer to actual
sins as “works of the flesh” (Galatians