Breaking The Law: Is It A Sinful Act?

Whether or not breaking the law is a sin is a complex question that has been debated by Christians and non-Christians alike. Some people believe that breaking any law, including those created by governments, is a sin as it goes against God's will. This perspective is supported by Bible verses such as Romans 13:1-5, which states that authorities are established by God and should be obeyed. However, others argue that only breaking laws that directly contradict God's laws, such as those found in the Bible, can be considered a sin. This view is also supported by Bible verses, including Acts 4:18-19, which suggests that when a government's law conflicts with God's law, one should obey God rather than the government. Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on one's interpretation of religious texts and the relationship between secular and religious laws.

Is breaking the law a sin against God?

Whether or not breaking a law is a sin against God depends on the nature of the law and the circumstances.

God defines sin in his revealed word—the 66 books of the Bible. Sin is any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law by omission or commission. God is the ultimate standard of what is good and right, and his revealed word is the absolute source that defines sin for man.

The Bible states that God wants us to obey the laws imposed on us by the government. God establishes and removes governments, and every government is a minister of God. Therefore, when we break the law of the land, we are being lawless, and God calls it a sin.

However, there is an exception. When a government violates God's law, he wants us to obey him and not the government. For example, if a law requires us to bow to an idol, it is not a sin to break that law.

Some people believe that certain actions, such as hate, anger, drinking wine, or listening to music with drums, are sins. However, this is not the case, as God himself expresses these emotions in the Bible, and Jesus drank wine.

In conclusion, breaking the law can be a sin against God, but it depends on the specific circumstances and whether the law in question aligns with or contradicts God's laws.

Are there different types of laws?

There are several types of laws, each with its own unique focus and scope. Here are some of the most common types of laws:

• Admiralty/Maritime Law: This type of law deals with marine trade, sailors, navigation, and land-based activities related to the sea. It is distinct from the Law of the Sea, which falls under international public law.
• Business/Corporate Law: Corporate lawyers handle the legal aspects of running a business, including formation, mergers, acquisitions, and disputes. They ensure compliance with state, federal, and international laws and agreements.
• Civil Rights Law: Lawyers in this field work to balance the interests of government institutions and individuals or groups, protecting their rights, liberties, and entitlements. They handle cases involving discrimination, unfair practices, and infringements on freedom of expression, employment, housing, and education.
• Criminal Law: Criminal law focuses on behaviours defined as illegal under the criminal code. Prosecutors and district attorneys pursue sanctions against those accused of criminal activity, while defence lawyers represent the accused.
• Entertainment Law: This area of law is related to intellectual property but centres on rights and royalties issues in media, arts, music, television, cinema, and athletics. Sports lawyers ensure compliance with regulations and represent athletes in contractual matters.
• Environmental Law: Environmental lawyers work with government agencies, advocacy organisations, or individuals to protect the environment and public health. They address natural resource management, pollution reduction, and disputes over land and water use.
• Family Law: Family lawyers handle legal relations and disputes within families, including child welfare, adoption, divorce, child abuse, legitimacy, civil unions, and marriages.
• Health Law: Health law attorneys represent patients, clinics, insurance companies, and health practitioners. They also work in policy implementation and enforcement within government and academic institutions.
• Immigration Law: Immigration lawyers assist clients at all stages of the naturalisation process and work with refugee and asylum seekers. This field varies significantly between countries and is influenced by international treaties and accords.
• Intellectual Property Law: IP lawyers protect the rights of inventors, authors, and businesses over their creations, inventions, and symbols. They manage contracts, visual identity, brand names, and slogans.
• International Law: International law can be divided into private and public sectors. Specialists may work in finance and trade in multinational corporations or work on cases involving dealings between sovereign nations.
• Labour/Employment Law: Labour lawyers handle relations between workers and employers, including matters of wages, compensation, harassment, and discrimination. They may represent clients, unions, government agencies, or employers.
• Military Law: Based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice, military law governs legal matters within the armed forces. Legal experts in this field typically serve in the Judge Advocate General's Corps.
• Personal Injury Law: Experts in this field handle cases of intentional or unintentional harm, including medical malpractice, collisions, product liability, wrongful death, and workplace injuries.
• Real Estate Law: Real estate lawyers deal with land and construction ownership, development, tenant rights, landlord disputes, residential and commercial transactions, and planning.
• Tax Law: Tax lawyers help clients navigate the complex world of domestic and international tax codes and policies. They ensure compliance with tax laws and help reduce fiscal liabilities.

What does God's law say about sin?

God defines sin in the Bible, and sin is any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law. Sin is lawlessness, and it is a violation of God's standard. God is the ultimate standard of what is good and right, and His revealed Word is the absolute source that defines sin for man.

God wants us to obey the laws imposed on us by the government, and He establishes and removes governments. God's law is essential to know what sin is, and He defines sin through the law. However, there are times when God does not want us to obey the government. When a government violates God's law, He wants us to obey Him instead.

The Bible says that we must submit to the governing authorities, and those who rebel against the authority are rebelling against what God has instituted. Romans 13:1-5 seems to indicate that we are to respect the governing authorities. However, if a law of man breaks the law of God, we should obey God's law instead. For example, if a law commands us to worship a false idol, it is not a sin to break that law.

In most cases, breaking the laws of the land is a sin. However, there are specific cases where breaking the laws is not a sin. If a government creates a law that causes us to sin, we should not obey that law. For instance, in Exodus 1:15-16, the king of Egypt ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn boys, but they refused, and this was not considered a sin. Similarly, in Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar's statue, which was an ungodly law, and they were not sinning.

Ultimately, God's laws take precedence over man-made laws, and we should obey God rather than man when there is a conflict between the two.

What is the punishment for sin?

The punishment for sin is death, as stated in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death". However, the Bible also says that God no longer punishes people for their sins because Jesus took on that punishment. Instead, bad things that happen are seen as a form of discipline or correction from God, similar to how a parent would correct a child.

There are several types of punishment for sin, which can be categorised as either inward or outward. Inward punishments include spiritual judgments such as blindness of the mind, a reprobate sense, strong delusions, hardness of heart, horror of conscience, and vile affections. These inward punishments affect a person's understanding, will, conscience, or affections, making them more inclined to sin and less able to find or desire the way of truth and peace.

Outward punishments, on the other hand, include the curse of God upon the creatures and mankind, as well as various other evils that befall people in their bodies, names, estates, relations, and employments, ultimately leading to death. This curse on the creature was a consequence of man's sin, as stated in Genesis 3:14-19, where God says to Adam, "Cursed is the ground because of you...for you are dust, and to dust, you shall return."

In addition to these inward and outward punishments, sin also results in separation from God, which is a form of spiritual death. This separation from God, who is the source of life, leads to a nature that rejects, runs from, and hates God.

Lastly, sin also results in suffering in this life. All the weaknesses, diseases, distress, poverty, pain, sickness, sorrow, and other woes that exist in the world are seen as a result of sin and its fallen nature. This includes not only personal suffering but also strife with others and destructive forces of nature such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods.

What are the consequences of breaking the law?

Breaking the law can have a range of consequences, depending on the severity of the infraction and the jurisdiction in which it occurs. While some acts of lawbreaking are considered sins in a religious context, others are addressed through secular means, such as fines, imprisonment, or other penalties. Here are some potential consequences of breaking the law:

Legal Consequences:

• Fines: Many laws are enforced through monetary fines, which can vary in amount depending on the severity of the offense.
• Imprisonment: More serious crimes can result in incarceration, with the duration of imprisonment depending on the crime and the jurisdiction.
• Community Service: In some cases, lawbreakers may be ordered to perform community service or other forms of restitution as a way to repay their debt to society.
• Loss of Privileges: Breaking certain laws, especially those related to driving or professional licenses, can result in the revocation or suspension of privileges or licenses.
• Criminal Record: A criminal record can have long-term consequences, affecting employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Social and Personal Consequences:

• Damage to Reputation: Breaking the law can lead to negative perceptions from others, potentially damaging one's reputation and relationships.
• Loss of Trust: Lawbreaking can erode trust within communities, families, and friendships.
• Guilt and Shame: For those with a moral or religious compass, breaking the law can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or remorse.
• Impact on Future Opportunities: A criminal record or negative reputation can limit future opportunities for education, employment, or social advancement.

Religious or Spiritual Consequences (as defined by Christian doctrine):

• Sin and God's Judgment: According to Christian doctrine, breaking certain laws can be considered a sin, incurring God's judgment and potentially leading to eternal consequences.
• Confessing and Forgiveness: In Christianity, confessing one's sins and seeking forgiveness from God is an important aspect of spiritual life.
• Separation from God: Some Christian denominations believe that sin separates individuals from God and can have eternal consequences if not repented for.
• Impact on Salvation: In Christian theology, salvation is often tied to faith and obedience, so breaking certain laws or committing certain sins can have implications for one's eternal destiny.

It is important to note that the consequences of breaking the law can vary widely depending on the specific law broken, the jurisdiction, and the individual's circumstances. Additionally, the interpretation of religious doctrine can vary among different Christian denominations and individuals.

Frequently asked questions