Sins of Inferiors Against Their Superiors in WLC
The Westminster Larger Catechism (WLC) addresses the concept of sins of inferiors against their superiors, highlighting the biblical principle that respect and obedience are due to those in authority. This concept is rooted in various biblical passages that emphasize the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, particularly those who are in positions of authority [3].
The biblical basis for this concept can be seen in passages such as 1 Corinthians 8:12, which warns against sinning against the brethren and wounding their weak conscience, thereby sinning against Christ [1, 2]. This principle is further reinforced in Proverbs, where contempt towards others, especially those in authority, is considered a characteristic of the wicked [4].
The WLC's discussion on sins of inferiors against their superiors is grounded in the understanding that sin is not only a personal offense against God but also a social offense against others, particularly those in positions of authority. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, sinning against others, especially those who are weak or in authority, is a serious offense that can have significant consequences [5].
The Presbyterian interpretation, as seen in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Genesis 3:13, highlights that the first sin was not just a simple act of disobedience but a complex act involving love of self, dishonor to God, and ingratitude to a benefactor. This understanding underscores the gravity of sinning against those in authority [6].
In the New Testament, the concept is further developed in the context of the Christian community. For instance, the commentary on 1 John 3:8 by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown notes that committing sin is associated with being of the devil, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of sinning against others [5].
The Lutheran and Protestant academic traditions also contribute to the understanding of sinning against superiors. For example, Keil & Delitzsch's commentary on Proverbs 3:34 highlights God's relation to men being determined by their relation to Him, emphasizing the principle that God scorns the scorners but gives grace to the lowly [7].
The biblical and interpretive traditions converge to underscore the seriousness of sinning against those in authority. The concept is not limited to a specific denomination or tradition but is a broader Christian principle rooted in biblical teachings.
The consequences of sinning against superiors are severe, as seen in Hebrews 10:28-29, where rejecting Christ and treating Him with contempt is considered a grave offense worthy of eternal damnation [8]. This highlights the importance of treating others, especially those in authority, with respect and dignity.
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 8:12 (DRC) — Now when you sin thus against the brethren and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians “1 Corinthians 8:12 (NASB) — And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Contempt — Sin of -- Job 31:13,14; Pr 14:21. Folly of -- Pr 11:12. A characteristic of the wicked -- Pr 18:3; Isa 5:24; 2Ti 3:3. Forbidden towards Parents. -- Pr 23:22. Christ's little ones. -- Mt 18:10. Weak brethren. -- Ro 14:3. Young ministers. -- 1Co 16:11. Believing masters. -- 1Ti 6:2. The poor. -- Jas 2:1-3. Self-righteous prompts to -- Isa 65:5; Lu 18:9,11. Pride and prosperity prompt to -- Ps 123:4. Ministers should give no occasion for -- 1Ti 4:12. Of ministers, is a despising of God -- Lu 10:16; 1Th 4:8. Towards the church Often turned into respect. -- Isa”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Proverbs (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Proverbs 3:34: His relation to men is determined by their relation to Him. As for the scorners, He scorneth them, But to the lowly He giveth grace. Most interpreters render the verse thus: "If the scorner He (even He, in return) scorneth, so He (on the other hand) giveth grace to the lowly." For the sequence of the words in the consequence, in which the precedence of the verb is usual, e.g., Lev 12:5, we are referred to Pro 23:18, cf. Pro 24:14; but why had the poet placed the two facts in the relation of condition and consequence? The one fact is not the consequence but th”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 10:28: 10:28-29 The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14). The lesser situation is the old punishment of death for a person who refused to obey the law of Moses (see Deut 13:6-11). The greater situation concerns those who reject Christ and treat him with contempt. • how much worse the punishment: Eternal damnation is the fate awaiting those who have rejected Christ. • The blood of the covenant, which made us holy, is Christ’s perfect sacrifice (9:11–10:18). • insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit: Those who reject the Spirit’s prompting and mer”