3/28/12- Sin Made More Heinous by Time and Place

36- 3/28- WLC- 151.4

Q. 151. What are those aggravations that make some sins more heinous than others?
A. Sins receive their aggravations,

4. From circumstances of time, and place: if on the Lord's day, or other times of divine worship; or immediately before or after these, or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages: if in public, or in the presence of others, who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled.

 The LORD, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. ¹⁶ But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. (2 Chr. 36:15,16)

So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, ²¹ for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. (1 Cor. 11:20-21)

Thoughts: The time of sin is also important.  It is hard for us who do not keep the Sabbath to understand the importance of that sin, and why it is important to not sin on the Lord’s Day or in worship.  When we go into the presence of God- and seek His face, we should go reverently, truthfully, earnestly. 

Prayer: When I am especially with you, Lord, may my time be focused on you and not on my sin.  May I not hide behind any mask or believe I can keep my problems away from your ever-seeing eye. 

(El Greco- 1600- Driving out the Money changers from the Temple in worship)