Apr 18, 2012

Which is the Greater Sin?

Jesus spoke of the sin of Judas as being "the greater sin" when compared with the sin of Pilate.  (John 19: 11) 

In the debate over the nature of God and whether he is one or three persons, and over the person of Christ, whether he is God, and equal with God, each side in the debate tends to pronounce anathemas on the other sides.  Unitarians condemn to Hell Trinitarians, and Trinitarians condemn Unitarians to Hell.  Arians and Sebellians say that Trinitarians are guilty of polytheism and idolatry.  Trinitarians say that non-Trinitarians are dishonoring God and are guilty of blasphemy.

Let us, with these thoughts in mind, consider these words of Jesus:

"For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:  That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him."  (John 5: 22, 23)

If Trinitarians give the same glory to "the Son" as they do to "the Father," how can they be condemned?  Is it not the teaching of all non-Trinitarians that "the Son" does not deserve the same glory, praise, adoration, and worship as does "God the Father"?  When Christ was born the Father addressed the angels and said - "And let all the angels of God worship him (the Son)."  (Heb. 1: 6)  Worship him how? to what degree?  Less than one worships "the Father"?  If so, does this not violate Jesus' words about honoring him equally with that of his Father?  Further, Jesus said that this was the will of "the Father," that all men should honor and worship "the Son" as they do him.  So, Trinitarians are only doing what Jesus commanded.  So, where is the sin?  It seems to me that the "greater sin" comes from failing to give the same honor, glory, and worship to "the Son" as that which is given to "the Father."

Anti-Trinitarians, such as Anthony Buzzard, will say that they do "worship" Jesus, but not as they worship the Father.  They say the kind of "worship" that they give to Christ is that which men, in scripture, have given to other men, to kings and lords.  But, their error is clear.  Jesus did not say that men should honor and worship him as they do other great created beings, but as they do the Father/Creator.  Jesus said - "you shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."  (Matt. 4: 10)  If Jesus were not God, the Father would not say to angels and men - "worship and serve him."

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