A Sin Worse Than Sodomy

Rev. Angus Stewart

Sodom was destroyed by God with fire and brimstone from heaven chiefly because of its homosexuality (Gen. 19:4-5, 24; II Peter 2:6-8; Jude 7). Yet Jesus Christ spoke of a sin worse than sodomy: “But I say unto you [people of Capernaum], That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee” (Matt. 11:24; cf. 10:15). Sodom’s punishment on the Judgement Day will be less (“more tolerable”) than Capernaum’s, because Capernaum’s sin was worse. This sin was rejecting the testimony of God through Jesus’ miracles or “mighty works” (11:23) and despising the gospel and messengers of Christ (10:14). This sin of unbelief, committed by many “respectable” people who would not dream of committing homosexual acts, is worse in God’s eyes than sodomy. Let us, therefore, not despise the gospel of Christ, for “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Heb. 2:3).

John Calvin explains this more fully: “Christ mentioned Sodom rather than other cities, not only because it went beyond them all in flagitious crimes, but because God destroyed it in an extraordinary manner, that it might serve as an example to all ages, and that its very name might be held in abomination. And we need not wonder if Christ declares that they will be treated less severely than those who refuse to hear the gospel. When men deny the authority of Him who made and formed them, when they refuse to listen to his voice, nay, reject disdainfully his gentle invitations, and withhold the confidence which is due to his gracious promises, such impiety is the utmost accumulation, as it were, of all crimes. But if the rejection of that obscure preaching was followed by such dreadful vengeance, how awful must be the punishment that awaits those who reject Christ when he speaks openly! Again, if God punishes so severely the despisers of the word, what shall become of furious enemies who, by blasphemies and a venomous tongue, oppose the gospel, or cruelly persecute it by fire and sword?” (Comm. on Matt. 10:15).

See also "The Presbyterian Church in Ireland and Sodomy."