The Westminster Larger Catechism

Q.151. What sins are more evil because of the harm that results from them?

A. Sins become more harmful:

1. From those who commit the sins:[1] if they are older,[2] have a longer experience of God’s grace,[3] are well-known for their faith,[4] clearly know better,[5] hold a prominent position[6] or office,[7] are teachers,[8] and whose example will influence others.[9]

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2. From those sinned against:[10] if directly against God,[11] his attributes,[12] and worship;[13] against Christ and his grace;[14] against the Holy Spirit,[15] his witness[16] and work;[17] against those above us, prominent men[18] and especially those to whom we are related or owe allegiance;[19] and against any fellow believer,[20] particularly those who are weaker in the faith,[21] their souls or anyone else’s,[22] and the general good of everyone.[23]

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3. From the nature and quality of the sin:[24] if it is against the exact letter of the law,[25] breaks more than one commandment or includes many separate sins;[26] if it is not only planned in the heart, but is expressed in words and actions,[27] scandalizes others,[28] and cannot be made right;[29] if it is against the means of God’s grace,[30] his mercy,[31] or his judgments,[32] against our natural The Larger Catechism understanding,[33] convictions of our conscience,[34] public or private warnings,[35] condemnation by the church,[36] and civil punishment;[37] and if it is against our own prayers, purposes, promises,[38] vows,[39] covenants,[40] and commitments to God or men[41]—if made deliberately,[42] willfully,[43] presumptuously,[44] immodestly,[45] boastfully,[46] maliciously,[47] repeatedly,[48] obstinately,[49] with delight,[50] continually,[51] or as a result of falling back into it after repenting from it.[52]

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29. Dt.[22].[22],[28]-[29], Prv[6].[32]-[35], Mt[16].[26].

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4. From circumstances of time[53] and place:[54] if on the Lord’s day[55] or other times of divine worship,[56] or immediately before[57] or after these[58] or other religious activities that help to prevent or be a remedy for such failures;[59] and if publicly or in the presence of others, who consequently may very well be aroused to or defiled by the sin.[60]

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