Will we reach heaven if some commands are broken?
Question:
Good day,I have a rather important question that's been bothering me. In James 2:10, it is stated that all sins are equal. Breaking one means breaking all. It is trying to get the idea across that we shouldn't excuse sins because that might lead us to accept some sins into our lives and not others. Instead, the point is that we shouldn't be led to sin. We will always be tempted, but the command is not to sin. However, here is my dilemma;The preacher of my previous congregation smoked cigarettes and drank whiskey as you would water -- not a lot, but he never drank water. I know because his grandson and I were friends, and I went over to them a lot. This would constitute two sins, both of which he did until his death. Am I to believe that he is in hell because he sinned and he knew he did? Yet, he taught me everything about the Bible, the church, and Christianity. It was he who baptized me for the remission of my sins into the body of Christ.So, I think you can understand my confusion about James 2:10 and my life experience. It is also stated by Jesus in Matthew chapter 7 that we will know them by their fruits. I know him very well by his fruits. He tolerated me even though I was annoying at times, he kept on teaching me no matter how difficult I became, and he never snapped at me in any way. He did exactly as the Bible said and he taught as the Bible taught, but then he just had these two sins that he never gave up. We are commanded to repent and turn away from all sin by I John 3:6-7, James 4:7, and II Corinthians 5:17. I am still a faithful member of the body and I would just like to have this one point clarified.Kind regards.
Answer:
You and I are not the final judge of another man. We don't know everything. We don't know people's motivations. "Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God" (I Corinthians 4:5). While you may not know what God's decision will be, you can ask God to be merciful to the man who had done much in your life.
Smoking, at best, is foolish since we know it does significant harm to the body. Alcohol is also harmful, and the Bible gives numerous warnings against the casual use of alcohol.
James' point is that we should not excuse our sins while condemning the sins others commit. In the chapter, James is talking about showing partiality toward some. You can't say that because you don't steal or commit murder, then this means you are justified in God's view in showing partiality. Comparing your sins to the sins of other people is not wise. We all have sinned and desire God's mercy; therefore, we must show mercy toward others. This doesn't mean we accept sin. Rather, we teach against it and don't hold a person's past sins against him when he repents.
The preacher you knew was a flawed man. His life is now in God's hands. Regardless of his destiny, I'm positive he would want you to go to heaven. Therefore, don't imitate the flaws of others. Live the best life that you can as you serve God.
Response:
Thank you so much for the response. I appreciate the answer so much.God bless you.
