When Is Breaking The Law A Sin Or Not A Sin??......

[Tim Myers]

This will probably end up being viewed as a dumb post, but it is something I have thought about and wondered about....so, I thought I would submit it for your input (or is it output?)..........

If you asked someone, "Is going over the legal speed limit a sin?"...some would say that it is.

If you then asked them why or how it is a sin, they might say, "Because it is against the law and breaking the law is a sin."

If you then asked them, "Well, if reading the Bible or going to church were against the law, would it be a sin to do either of them?"

The answer you would probably get would be that breaking the law by reading the Bible or going to church is not a sin.

So, how do we choose when breaking the law is a sin and when breaking the law is not a sin??

 

[cubinity]

So, how do we choose when breaking the law is a sin and when breaking the law is not a sin??

Utilitarianism?

Kant's Categorical Imperatives?

Civil Disobedience?

Nixon's "If do it, it's not a crime" philosophy?

 

[Mr Dave]

The best answer I can come up with (which I admit is not very good) is that sin causes a division between us and God. If it were the case that meeting with other Christians were against the law, this probably wouldn't be sinful because despite being against the law, this does not create a division between us and God, on the contrary where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them (not saying Christians should just go around in any situation regardless, because 'they're close to God if they do so'; I'm not advocating being reckless). Breaking the speed limit/drink driving etc... would all be different because although (obviously) not condemned in Holy Scripture, they are rules set out for the ultimate safety of all road users. Breaking them is thus knowingly increasing the harm you are liable to cause to someone. That's not in any way showing love to your neighbour.

 

[solarwave]

We should keep the law of our country whenever possible, only going against it if justified by morality. Some laws are there more moral reasons (the speed limit so you don't kill people) and some are there just by tradition (not allowing homosexuals to marry).

 

[Lily_Among_Thorns]

This will probably end up being viewed as a dumb post, but it is something I have thought about and wondered about....so, I thought I would submit it for your input (or is it output?)..........

If you asked someone, "Is going over the legal speed limit a sin?"...some would say that it is.

If you then asked them why or how it is a sin, they might say, "Because it is against the law and breaking the law is a sin."

If you then asked them, "Well, if reading the Bible or going to church were against the law, would it be a sin to do either of them?"

The answer you would probably get would be that breaking the law by reading the Bible or going to church is not a sin.

So, how do we choose when breaking the law is a sin and when breaking the law is not a sin??

Sin is the transgressing of the laws of God and his commands; as clearly seen throughout the Old Testament. The laws of man may relate, in many instances, to the laws of God but they are not the laws of God and therefore if you break a law of man that does not relate to the laws of God then yoiu have done no sin.

We should, however, also keep the laws of man because they are there, in place, in order to keep Order and safety.

 

[chingchang]

This will probably end up being viewed as a dumb post, but it is something I have thought about and wondered about....so, I thought I would submit it for your input (or is it output?)..........

If you asked someone, "Is going over the legal speed limit a sin?"...some would say that it is.

If you then asked them why or how it is a sin, they might say, "Because it is against the law and breaking the law is a sin."

If you then asked them, "Well, if reading the Bible or going to church were against the law, would it be a sin to do either of them?"

The answer you would probably get would be that breaking the law by reading the Bible or going to church is not a sin.

So, how do we choose when breaking the law is a sin and when breaking the law is not a sin??

Live your life in obedience to the Royal Law and you don't have to be concerned with stuff like this. Who cares about a man-made law?

CC

 

[Emmy]

Dear Tim Myers. When you go over the speed-limit you are acting without love, or any thought of your neighbour. Therefore God will disapprove, and it will be sin. The Law of the Land is for our protection, and everything we say or do, which is without love, or even care for our neighbour, God will disapprove of: it is sin. As for the Law of the Land: Laws are made to adhere to. I say this with love, Tim. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.

 

[BrandonLParks]

This will probably end up being viewed as a dumb post, but it is something I have thought about and wondered about....so, I thought I would submit it for your input (or is it output?)..........

If you asked someone, "Is going over the legal speed limit a sin?"...some would say that it is.

If you then asked them why or how it is a sin, they might say, "Because it is against the law and breaking the law is a sin."

If you then asked them, "Well, if reading the Bible or going to church were against the law, would it be a sin to do either of them?"

The answer you would probably get would be that breaking the law by reading the Bible or going to church is not a sin.

So, how do we choose when breaking the law is a sin and when breaking the law is not a sin??

What a throughout provoking question. It certainly made me think. I would say that a sin is any action that does not bring glory to God. In the majority of cases obeying the government brings glory to God and is requested of us in Scripture (Romans 13). So when the government makes a law about speed limits, it brings God glory to obey that law. But if the government makes a law against something that brings God glory, it is then that we sin by obeying the law.

All this, of course, from someone who is a chronic speeder.
Blessings,
-Brandon

 

[Jazer]

So, how do we choose when breaking the law is a sin and when breaking the law is not a sin??

(Rom 13:4-5 NKJV) For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.

There can be consequences if we break man's law. Salvation does not come through works, at least not our works. God does a work in us so we can live pure and clean before Him. There are things that people can receive a reward for. But that is not a requirement for salvation. During the Tribulation, the Age of Grace will have come to an end. At that time they say that in order to be saved people will have to be myrtered. Although other people believe they will have to endure to the end. Even though we are told: God didn't appoint us to wrath. He does not forsake us. God always gives comfort and peace to those who live in obedience.