Becker Bible Teacher Resources

The purposeful termination of a pregnancy. At the moment of conception of life, the removal of the embryo or fetus is direct, intentional murder.  Additionally, medical tests which are used solely to determine whether a fetus should be aborted are reprehensible.(Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

The introduction of the Lord's name into His own speech except to bless, praise, or glorify (Third Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:7)

The accumulation of arms does not eliminate the cause of war, and tends to aggravate toward conflict. Christian leadership should not be gathering weapons to prepare for trouble; rather, they should be following the teachings of Christ and leading His people through difficult times with God, rather than weapons, as their focus.(Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Sin Against Charity - Refusing the joy or repelling the Divine goodness that flows from God (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

Every word or attitude is forbidden which by flattery, adulation, or complaisance encourages sin in another through condescending or duplicitous speech. (Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

Marital infidelity is the sin of adultery; it is when two partners, of whom at least one is married to another party, have sexual relations.  The bond of marriage is in danger by even transient affairs and those imagined and fantasized. Intimate sharing should be reserved for married couples only; thus, full sexual relations are not necessary for the sin of adultery to occur.  When lustful attachments are formed outside the marriage that replaces the spouse for another partner then the sacrament of marriage blessed by the LORD God is marred by sin.  (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

Makes no judgment of God's existence and declares it impossible to know, affirm, or deny  (Second Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:4-6)

If anger is used to wrongly control other's actions or as an act of revenge it is a sin. If anger is used to impose restitution, correct vices, or maintain justice, it is a virtue. The three levels of connected sin are anger, hatred, and finally vengeance. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

The total repudiation of the authority and binding force of Truth revealed by God (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

Rejects or denies the existence of God (Second Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:4-6)

Any effort made by man or woman in a marriage setting to prevent conception is a sin.  This includes the use of sterilizations, birth control pills, condoms, IUD's and douches ("Morning after" pills are a form of abortion and becomes the even greater sin of murder). The only acceptable form of birth control is periodic continence with self-observation and use of infertile periods for sexual relationships. Protection from unwanted pregnancy outside of marriage should not be an issue, since it is a sin to fornicate. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

Uttering against God, inwardly or outwardly, words of hatred, reproach, or defiance by speaking ill of God, show lack respect toward Him in one's speech, or misuse God's name (Third Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:7)

x

Causes unjust injury when remarks contrary to the truth are made against someone and their reputation is harmed through the false judgment others.(Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

Sexual abuse is the inappropriate sexual intercourse against a person unable to prevent it. Child sexual abuse, often connected to incest, is any sexual abuse perpetrated by adults on children or adolescents entrusted to their care. The offense is compounded by the scandalous harm done to the moral, physical, and spiritual being of the young, who will remain scarred by it all of their lives. Sexual abuse is directed by Satan against the children he suspects might one day be strong Christians that accomplish the Lord's work. This sinful, immoral, vulgar attack of sexual child abuse attempts to destroy youthful innocence through the damage of the deepest parts of their hearts, minds, and souls. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

 Promises must be kept and contracts strictly observed. Commutative justice requires due respect for the rights of people and regulates their exchange.  This requires safeguarding property rights, paying debts, and fulfilling obligations freely contracted; to do less is a sin.(Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

The secretive influence of judgment of those who must make decisions according to law. (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

God created all things; animal, mineral, and vegetable resources for the common good of past, present, and future humanity.  Failure to maintain responsible dominion over them as God has commanded is a sin. (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

The cessation of hope for personal salvation and forgiveness of sins. Despair attacks the goodness and justness of God and denies His faithfulness to His promises (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

When someone's faults and failings are disclosed without an objective, valid reason to someone who did not originally know them, it causes unjust injury to their reputation. (Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

Disregard of parent teachings that were tasked by God to give knowledge and relationship with Him from the days of childhood. Respect and honor is due those whom God has vested with His authority to instruct youth, and dishonor against those so charged is in direct disobedience to God's Fifth Commandment. (Fifth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:12)

Promising in God's name engages His Divine Honor, Fidelity, Truthfulness, and Authority. To be unfaithful to that promise is to misuse God's name and make Him a liar on your behalf. (Third Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:7)

The dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace. The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity; to do otherwise is disrespectful and a sin. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

The act of seeking Satan or his demons to gain their power, conjuring up the dead, consulting horoscopes, astrology, mediums, etc. This sin shows a wish for power over others and the seeking of power over time, history, and human being laws of nature established by God.(Second Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:4-6)

The ratified and consummated marriage between the baptized whose sacramental marriage is blessed by the LORD God cannot be undone by worldly legal authority; spiritual oaths cannot be discounted by natural law. There are legitimate reasons for divorce like violence, abandonment, or affairs that subvert the sanctity of marriage; in these cases, release from the vows of marriage (divorce) is allowed by the Lord.  However, remarriage endangers the new partners of unknowingly committing adultery should the divorce not be inside the acceptable limitations approved by God. Divorce is not necessarily a sin; but remarriage to another might be. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

The hesitation of belief, failure to overcome objections of faith, or the cultivation of anxiety that comes through obscure understanding.  This sin can lead to spiritual blindness if it is not confronted. (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

The purposeful refusal to hold God's revelations as Truth (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

Use of mind altering chemical agents or chemical processes that inflict damage on human life by preventing individual achievement and growth. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Acts or enterprises (selfish, ideological, commercial, or totalitarian) which leads to human beings being bought, sold, and exchanged like merchandise in a disregard of human dignity.  To a lesser degree, not providing a person with just benefits and wages enslaves a person to his work and the employer becomes guilty of this sin. (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

Envy and coveting is the desire to amass earthly goods without limit after seeing others increasing their possessions, skills, positions, and ranks. This leads to wishing harm to others to make gains for oneself. (Tenth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:17)

An act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering of the natural death process. This constitutes murder that is contrary to the dignity of human life created by God. But, discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate is merely refusal of over-zealous treatment and not considered a sin of euthanasia.(Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

The abuse of any material, action, belief, or behavior done in excess that can lead to the endangerment of other human beings. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Spending excessive money for unneeded goods robs works funded by the LORD God to accomplish.  This sin also includes overcharging for labor or asking for undue reimbursement, as well as using employers funds without temperance, wisdom, and responsibility. (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

When an offense is committed that offends justice or truth, it must be repaired, even in the midst of forgiveness.  When the sin cannot be undone in public, it must be at least made right in private. Damage to a reputation through the attack of truth must restore the good reputation of a person whenever possible. (Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

Swearing or taking an oath is to state God as witness to what is affirmed untruthfully (Third Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:7)

When a statement is made publicly that is contrary to the truth it is a sin.  When the false statement is made in court, it is false witness.  When it is made under oath, it is perjury. Sins such as these contribute to condemnation of the innocent, exoneration of the guilty, or the increased punishment of the accused.(Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

x

Falsifying signatures on checks or invoices or other legal documents or tender for the purpose of fraud.(Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

Carnal union (sexual relationship) between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

When a man and a woman refuse to publicly sanctify their commitment through marriage and seek God's blessing, but instead continue a liaison involving sexual intimacy without marriage, they are committing the sin of fornication.(Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

Gambling, card games, dice, slot machines, etc. or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice.  They become a sin and morally unacceptable when they deprive of what is necessary to provide for their needs and those of others.  But, if the game of chance encourages participant to rely upon the false idol god of fortune, it is a serious sin. (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

The desire of harm to come upon another human being; hatred is the second level sin of anger which requires a contemplation of action. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Pride in oneself that that presumes and leads to the cursing God (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

Obstinate denial of some revealed Truth of God that must be believed for the sure foundation of faith (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

Heterosexual deviancy is the same type of sin that homosexual deviants act upon. Some argue that deviant behavior is contrary to the accepted standards of a community or culture, and as long as it is accepted, it is not deviant.  Thus, the sinful, nasty, sexual lusts, pornography and practices in our modern day are justified as acceptable between "consenting adults" or  "married couples" because culture accepts these things.  It is often argued that there is nothing off the table between two consenting adults, and all sexual lusts and expressions are acceptable. However, all sexual deviancies are sins; specific discussion of all the widely practiced evil and sinful sexual expressions are not necessary to define this sin.  Those souls seeking the Truth of God are given full awareness where that line between acceptable sexual behavior and deviancy lies as the Holy Spirit guides believers toward righteous decisions of sexual behavior.(Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

Exposing someone to mortal danger without grave reason, as well as refusing assistance to a person in danger which results in death (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

A serious offense made much greater when it is infanticide, fratricide, patricide, or the murder of a spouse (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Acting in a way that brings about someone's death, even without the intention to do so. Proportionate reasons for the action must be weighed in this judgment of guilt. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

It is the moral responsibility of adults to know their sexual orientation.  God made both the heterosexual and homosexual, and it is critical for those so made to not feel shame for who they are made to be by Him. Others become homosexual because of difficult life abuses who find safety in relationship with same sex partners.  Many homosexuals participate in the social fad for attention and perverse doings of sexual release against the goodness of man created in God's Image and enjoy the ever-increasing deviant and lustful sexual exploits; for these, their deviancies are sinful. Homosexual deviancy is the same type of sin that heterosexual deviants act upon. Once again, it is a matter of the presence of lust and deviant, nasty action that creates the deeper spiritual problems within the perverse that separate them from their Creator.   (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

The worship of idols and false pagans; it transfers the omnipotence of God to anything other than God.  Honored idols in our society include Satan, power, popular cultural objects and people, pleasure, race, ancestors, government, money, guns, constitutions, rights,  perversions, and fetishes. (Second Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:4-6)

Failure to maintain the legitimate defense by military forces by neglecting evaluation of damage potential of the aggressor to be serious, lasting, and certain, failing to make all other practical efforts to avoid military force, failing to expect success, produces more evil than the evil that is to be eliminated. Moral law including respectful and humane treatment to non-combatants, wounded soldiers, and prisoners must be assured; this is imperative if this sin is to be avoided. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Incest is sexual relationship between relatives or in-laws within a degree that prohibits marriage between them. Connected to incest is any sexual abuse perpetrated by adults on children or adolescents entrusted to their care. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

The neglect of a Truth revealed by God through willful disregard and disobedience (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

The neglect or refusal to reflect upon God's love (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

The refusal or failure to acknowledge the Divine Love of God and return Him love for love (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

The mocking of someone through a malicious caricature of some part of victim's behavior. (Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

Hostage taking is the most morally acceptable of the three anarchist offenses of kidnapping, terrorism, and torture.  When a hostage is taken, that hostage's physical and spiritual well being become the hostage taker's responsibility; extreme caution should be used that the victim is not submitted to extreme fear, pressure, torture, or wicked attacks. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

The hesitation or neglect to respond to God's Divine Love (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

Lust is the disordered desire for perverse sexual activities or inordinate stress upon the enjoyment of sexual pleasure. It is an important tool of Satan that is used to tempt, confuse, and remove humans from seeking the presence of God. If sex is not for procreation, unification of partners, or therapeutic purposes to calm human despair without the nature of lustful expression, then it is a sin. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

Lying consists of speaking a falsehood with the intention of deceiving. Lying is the work of the devil according to the Lord, and is a direct attack against God's Truth.  Lying brings error and confuses circumstances in victims lives as the aggressive liar manipulates deception.(Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

The attempt to tame occult powers and obtain supernatural power over natural laws of God (Second Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:4-6)

If masturbation is used to fulfill fantasy or lust, it is immoral and a sin.  It can further lead to a more serious condition such as placing pornographic images of lust in one's heart and mind, leading to a loss of intimate relationship with God.  If masturbation is used to calm sexual urges, or therapeutic purposes for relief of anxiety or pain, it is not a sin;  However, one should try prayer for the relief of these symptoms first. It is a grave sin to replace dependence upon God with masturbation. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

The using for private purposes the common goods of business, enterprise, or work place. (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

Failure to teach a child placed in your care about the things of God.  God gives the authority of children to the parents who are responsible for their moral education and spiritual formation. But, parents must also regard their children as children of God, and respect them as human persons and keep them out of harm's and evil's way. (Fifth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:12)

The taking of oaths which misuse God's name without intention of blasphemy; regardless of good intentions, it shows a lack of respect for Him . Discretion in calling upon God's name is allied with a respectful awareness of His presence. (Third Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:7)

Failing to maintain peace by ensuring free communication, dignity of human lives and human rights, and the practice of fraternity brotherly love. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

The swearing of an oath without intention of keeping it. Pledging an oath and violating the promise contradicts to the Divine nature of God. (Third Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:7)

Historically, leaders in Biblical times had more than one wife; this helped establish the Jewish nation through its abundance of blessings through the generations. There is no prohibition specifically mentioned in Scripture against polygamy.  However, New Testament marriage, with Christ as the symbolic groom to His church bride, symbolically and typologically holds to one man and one woman as participants in the marriage union. This movement away from polygamy to monogamy progresses as Christ's teachings unfold.  Though polygamy is difficult to classify as a sin, an ongoing, growing, mature relationship with Christ and the teachings of the Holy Spirit leave no doubt to their monogamous expectations concerning marriage (See Titus 1:6 condition of blamelessness). (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

A serious problem of modern day technology, participation in or viewing of pornography is a serious offense. It destroys marriages, personalities, hearts, minds, and souls and moves people further away from an intimate relationship with the Lord. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

The hope of salvation of self without Christ's atonement as well as the hope to receive forgiveness without the foundation and walk taught by Christ (First Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:2,3)

The producers and sellers of munitions and weapons have a moral responsibility for the use of arms delivered by them. Since the users of weapons are out of their control, participation in arms manufacturing or selling should be avoided. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

The practice of prostitution for the pleasure of sex or pleasure of money is a sin and should bring shame to the sinful participants. However, the practice of prostitution undertaken by a mother to raise out of destitution and provide children food and shelter in difficult times, for instance, is not as serious a sin. It is a matter of intentions with the presence of lust a critical measure of the degree of sin. It cannot be denied that society suffers for its presence. But, prostitution provides a valuable, therapeutic role for those in society unable to express themselves sexually because of disability, rejection, or challenged by a myriad of difficulties; though it remains a sin, Christ's judgment will surely consider these needs and weigh it all in fair balance. One fact seems certain; the prostitute and the customer share equally in the sin of prostitution. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

Causes unjust injury when one assumes as truth without sufficient foundation the charges of fault brought against another. (Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

The breaking of the observance of Sabbath, which, according to Scripture and Jewish tradition, begins from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday (Most Evangelicals and Catholics choose Sunday to be Sabbath in the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ). Observance of Sabbath, set aside by God as different from the other days of the week, requires the ceasing of work and activities that hinder the worship owed to God; it brings revitalization and restoration of the spirit of obedient believers to prepare for the tasks during the other six days of the week. One should do no work if possible, and spend the day praising, contemplating, growing, worshiping and learning Scripture with their focus upon the Lord and His things.(Fourth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:8-11)

To profane or treat unworthily those things Holy (consecrated) to God (Second Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:4-6)

An action that causes public outrage and a behavior which leads another to do evil. Scandal brings gossip which damages the virtue and integrity of the spreader. It is especially grave when scandal surrounds positions of authority or institutions of responsibility when it leads others to do wrong, leading into the realm of evil actions. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

x

Research biogenetics that manipulate DNA and genes, attempt creation of life through cloning, growth of organs and skin outside the body, develop artificial birth aids, and use aborted stem cells and test tube reproductive efforts are akin to human beings mistakenly assuming they are equal to the Creator and His Creation. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Scientific reproduction is an attempt to procreate life without God's intentions.  It is not the right of every married couple to have children.  Children are a gift from God.  If a couple cannot conceive, then they should accept God's decision and look for God's will for their union. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

Professional secrets must be kept unless the situation is exceptional and keeping the secret would severely harm another.  Clergy or confessor secrets must be kept from all but God, in all situations. Family and friend secrets are also sacred to the relationship; when a secret is divulged without good cause, the failure to keep the secret is a sin. (Ninth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:16)

The use of sexual demands, pressures, or innuendoes to gain power or influence over another is a sin that forces the will of one upon the other. (Seventh Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:14)

x

The manipulation of goods artificially in order to gain advantage that is to the detriment of others. (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

Suicide is murder.  Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or great fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.  God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance in ways known only by Him.  We should pray for persons who have taken their own lives.(Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Sin Against Religion - The attribution of elevated importance with magical qualities to things that are commonly without such need as established by the natural laws of God (Second Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:4-6)

Failure to pay the government the dues owed them for the services they provide.(Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

Putting God's almighty, omnipresent power to the test by word or deed (Second Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:4-6)

Second level of anarchy, Terrorism is morally, physically, and spiritually reprehensible because it causes extreme pain, fear, and harm to come to innocent victims(Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

The unjustified taking or keeping the goods of another, against his will. There is no theft if the universal destination of goods is violated past reasonable judgment.  For instance, the theft of provisions to provide for the essential life needs of a person (food, shelter, clothing, etc), especially the gleaning of produce first given by God or the occupancy of an emptied space for survival purposes, is not a sin.  (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

Torture is the third and worst level of anarchy that's sole purpose is to physically, mentally, and spiritually destroy a human life (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Intentional damaging of private or public property. (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

The third level sin of anger is vengeance; it is when one acts out of hatred and anger with purposeful action to hurt another. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

It is a sin to fail to support the strengthening of defenses, negotiation of truces, formation of coalitions, imposition of sanctions and the invocation of God for the avoidance of war. (Sixth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:13)

Expending good carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose that removes their ability to support the Works of God.(Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

Failing to accomplish the work one was hired to do while receiving a paycheck, acknowledgement, or attention for it. (Eighth Commandment Violation, Exodus 20:15)

Non-avoidance of "works of the flesh" revealed in Galatians 5:16 are:

Adultery - Sex with a married partner

Fornication - Desire for unmarried sex

Uncleanness - Dirtiness

Lasciviousness - Lust

Idolatry - Worship of other gods

Witchcraft - Power from other gods

Hatred - Hostility

Variance - Different from the normal

Emulations - Jealousy

Wrath - Outbursts of great anger

Strife - Bitter conflict

Seditions - Discontent or rebellion

Heresies - Opinion or doctrine different from the Truth

Envyings - Wanting

Murders - Killing

Drunkenness - Inebriation

Revellings - Merrymaking and boisterous