James Fisher together with his father-in-law Ebenezer Erskine, wrote a very good explanation of the Shorter Catechism. Here is a pdf link to it if someone wants to peruse it.
Question 83 in the Shorter Catechism: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
Answer: Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
James Fisher's explanation:
Q. 1. What do you understand by some sins being more heinous than others?
A. That they are more abominable, hateful, and offensive to God than others are, Ezek. 8:6,13,15.
Q. 2. Are not all sins hateful, and offensive to God?
A. Yes; but not equally so, Matt. 7:3 Why beholdest thou the MOTE that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the BEAM that is in thine own eye?
Q. 3. How does it appear that all sins are not equally offensive to God?
A. From the different degrees of punishment that shall be inflicted in the other world, Matt. 11:22 But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. See also Luke 12:47, 48.
Q. 4. In whose sight are some sins more heinous than others?
A. In the sight of God, who is the best judge of the heinousness of sins, Job 36:9.
Q. 5. In what respects are some sins more heinous in the sight of God than others?
A. Some are more heinous in themselves, and some are so by reason of several aggravations.
Q. 6. What is it for sins to be heinous in themselves?
A. It is to be heinous in their own nature, though no other aggravating circumstances should attend them.
Q. 7. How are these sins, that are in their own nature more heinous than others, commonly ranked?
A. Sins committed more immediately against God, or the first table of his law, are more heinous in their own nature, than sins committed more immediately against man, or any precept of the second table. Likewise, some sins against the second table, are more heinous in themselves, than other sins against the said table.
Showing posts with label James Fisher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Fisher. Show all posts
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
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