Man's Law And Sin: What's The Verdict?

Sin is a complex and multifaceted concept in Christian theology, and understanding what constitutes a sin can be challenging. According to the Bible, sin is defined as breaking God's law, and it includes any thought, word, or deed that goes against His commandments. While the Bible provides guidance on sin, interpreting and applying these teachings in daily life can be complex, especially when considering man-made laws.

Some Christians believe that breaking man-made laws is not inherently a sin unless the law contradicts God's law. For example, if a law instructed someone to bow to an idol, breaking it would not be considered a sin. However, other Christians emphasize the importance of obeying earthly authorities and governments, as they are believed to be established by God. This view suggests that breaking man-made laws can be considered sinful, even in cases of seemingly minor infractions like jaywalking or speeding.

The question of whether breaking man's law is a sin is a matter of ongoing debate among Christians, and different individuals and denominations may hold varying interpretations. Ultimately, it is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of biblical teachings, personal conscience, and the specific circumstances involved.

Is breaking the speed limit a sin?

According to the Bible, sin is defined as any "thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law by omission (not being or doing what God requires) or commission (doing what God forbids)". God's laws are laid out in the 66 books of the Bible, and it is only by believing in Jesus that humans can be forgiven for their sins.

God wants humans to obey the laws that the government imposes on them. In fact, it is God's will that we obey the laws of our government. The Bible states:

> Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. (NASB, 1 Peter 2:13-15)

Therefore, when we break the speed limit, we are breaking the law, and this is considered a sin in the eyes of God.

However, it is important to note that there are exceptions to this rule. For example, when a government violates God's laws, God wants humans to obey Him and not the government. Additionally, in cases of emergency, such as a child in the back seat unable to breathe, breaking the speed limit to get to the emergency room may be justified.

Some people may argue that speeding is not a serious sin compared to "bigger" sins such as lying, adultery, or murder. However, according to the Bible, Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, said:

> Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding (Proverbs 10:23 ESV).

This suggests that any form of wrongdoing, including speeding, is considered a sin and should not be taken lightly.

In conclusion, while there may be exceptions, breaking the speed limit is generally considered a sin in the eyes of God, as it involves breaking the laws established by governing authorities, which have been instituted by God.

Is jaywalking a sin?

Whether or not jaywalking is a sin is a question that has been asked and discussed by many Christians. The Bible says that Christians should obey the laws and rules placed upon them by people in positions of authority. However, it also says that Christians should not blindly follow laws, and that the only true authority is God.

Some Christians believe that jaywalking is not a sin because it is a "silly law" that is irrelevant to its moral status. They argue that the crime of jaywalking was created by the automotive industry to victim-blame pedestrians and that breaking such a law is not against God's word, but rather against the government's law. They also argue that the Bible says to obey authorities, but only when it does not break God's law.

On the other hand, some Christians believe that jaywalking is a sin because it is illegal and that the Bible says to obey the laws of the land. They argue that by breaking the law, you are being lawless, which is a sin. They also believe that jaywalking can be dangerous and cause accidents, which could be considered a mortal sin.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not jaywalking is a sin is a matter of individual interpretation and conviction. Some Christians may feel convicted to obey all laws, including jaywalking laws, while others may feel that jaywalking is a minor offence that does not go against God's word. It is important to note that while Christians may disagree on this issue, they should still respect each other's convictions and seek to honour God in their actions.

Is it a sin to disobey the government?

According to the Bible, sin is defined as any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law. This includes acts of omission, where one fails to do what God requires, and acts of commission, where one does what God forbids.

When it comes to obeying the government, the Bible provides some guidance on this matter. For instance, Romans 13:1-4 states:

> "Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil."

This passage suggests that God wants us to obey the laws imposed by our government because He establishes and removes governments. By disobeying the government, we are resisting authority established by God, which can be considered sinful.

However, it is important to note that the Bible also acknowledges that governments can be evil. In such cases, God uses them to suppress evil and prevent it from becoming worse. Additionally, Christians are instructed to obey God's laws above any human laws. So, if a government law violates God's law, a Christian is expected to obey God rather than the government.

Overall, while it is generally considered sinful to disobey the government, the specific circumstances and the nature of the laws being disobeyed are crucial factors in determining whether an act of disobedience is a sin or not.

Is it a sin to break a law that goes against God's law?

God defines sin in his revealed word—the 66 books of the Bible. Sin is any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law by omission or commission. God is the ultimate standard of what is good and right, and his revealed word is the absolute source that defines sin for man.

God wants us to obey the laws that the government imposes on us. In fact, it is God's will that we obey these laws. The Bible states:

> "Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." (NASB) Romans 13:1-4

However, there is one exception to this. When a government violates God's law, he wants us to obey him and not the government he created.

> "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge." (NASB) Acts 4:19

So, is breaking man's law a sin? It depends on the law. If the law goes against God's law, then it is not a sin to break it. However, if the law does not contradict God's law, then breaking it is considered a sin.

Is it a sin to break a law that doesn't go against God's law?

Sin is defined by God, and God alone. God's revealed word, as written in the 66 books of the Bible, is the absolute source that defines sin for man. According to 1 John 3:4, "sin is lawlessness". This means that any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law, either by omission or commission, is a sin.

God is the ultimate lawgiver, and His law takes precedence over the laws of man. Romans 13:1-4 highlights this:

> Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil.

This passage underscores the importance of obeying the laws of the land, as they are established by God. However, there is an exception. When a government's law violates God's law, God wants us to obey Him and not the government. Acts 4:18-19 illustrates this:

> When they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge".

So, is breaking a law that doesn't go against God's law a sin? The answer is yes. By disobeying the laws of the government, we are being lawless, which is considered a sin in God's eyes. This includes breaking laws such as speeding limits or killing deer without a license. While these actions may not directly contradict God's scripture, they go against the will of God, who wants us to obey the laws of our government.

However, it is important to note that there may be grey areas and exceptions. For example, in the case of Paul's writings, some Christians may choose to view them as open to interpretation or not carry the same weight as the gospels, as they are post-Christ and written by man.

Ultimately, sin is a complex and multifaceted concept, and it can be challenging to determine where to draw the line. As Christians, we strive to live a holy life, confess our sins, and seek God's forgiveness.

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