Question:
What is the difference between sin and crime? Is a criminal not also a sinner?
Answer:
There is a significant difference between sin and crime. A crime may or may not be sinful, and a sin may or may not be classified as a crime. The inspired Word states, “Sin is the transgression of the law,” meaning it is the violation of God’s law. That pertains not only to outward actions but also to the spirit, thoughts, motives, and intentions of the sinner. The apostle says, “The law is spiritual,” and thus can be transgressed in the realm of thought and motive. Therefore, someone is considered a murderer not only if they kill their brother, but also if they hate him (see 1 John 3:15). Similarly, adultery includes harboring lustful thoughts (see Matt. 5:27-28). That is sin.
In contrast, crime refers to the violation of civil law. If there were no laws against murder in this country, killing would not be a crime, though it would still be a grievous sin, just as hatred is a sin that civil law cannot prohibit. God’s law states, “Thou shalt not covet.” To violate this command is sin; however, civil law cannot prevent coveting. Therefore, civil law cannot make sin a crime; it can only regulate outward actions.
It was considered a crime for the three Hebrew young men to refuse to bow down to the golden image set up by Nebuchadnezzar (see Daniel 3), but this act was not sinful; in fact, bowing down would have constituted sin. Similarly, Daniel’s act of praying to God was not sin, but the law of Persia made it a crime (see Daniel 6). Jesus Christ died as a criminal, as did Paul and many martyrs; however, they were not considered sinners in God’s sight. It is never good to be a sinner, but when the choice lies between sin and crime, it is always better to be a criminal.
