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Crime & Sin

The relationship between crime and sin is not clear-cut. There is some overlap. Murder is a crime because it violates state laws. It is also sin - it violates God’s law. It was sin long before it was a crime.

Speeding is a lesser crime. It is also a sin, because the Bible teaches that we are to obey the laws of the land. Romans 13:1-3 and 1 Peter 2:13-14 tell us to obey the laws of the land.

Since many people do not know their Bible, they rely on laws or on their conscience to determine whether something is wrong. This can be a help, but it is not authoritative. If a person is a habitual liar, his conscience is seared and calloused. It doesn’t prick him when he tells a lie. He can deaden his conscience in many areas (stealing, sex, etc.) The result is he can be head-first in sin up to his ankles and not know he has committed a sin. St. Paul said it this way: “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Cor. 4:4).

On the other hand, he can be aware of his sin, but he enjoys sin so much that he doesn’t care about the consequences.

There is forgiveness for sin, but not for those who do not know or do not care. God has grace for sinners. The government does not have graces for lawbreakers.

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