Topical Encyclopedia
The term "heinous" is used to describe actions or sins that are shockingly wicked, evil, or reprehensible. In the context of the Bible, heinous acts are those that are particularly grievous in the sight of God due to their severity and the extent to which they violate His commandments and moral order.
Biblical Context and UsageWhile the specific term "heinous" may not appear frequently in the Bible, the concept is evident throughout Scripture. Heinous sins are those that provoke God's wrath and judgment, often leading to severe consequences for individuals, communities, or nations. These acts are typically characterized by their deliberate and egregious nature, often involving a high degree of moral corruption or violence.
Examples of Heinous Acts in Scripture1.
Murder and Violence: The Bible consistently condemns murder as a heinous sin. In
Genesis 4:10, after Cain kills Abel, God says, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground." This highlights the gravity of taking innocent life.
2.
Idolatry: Idolatry is considered a heinous sin because it directly violates the first commandment, placing other gods before the one true God. In
Exodus 32, the Israelites' worship of the golden calf is met with severe punishment, illustrating the seriousness of this transgression.
3.
Sexual Immorality: Acts of sexual immorality, such as adultery and fornication, are frequently condemned in Scripture. In
Leviticus 18, God outlines various sexual sins that are considered abominations, emphasizing their heinous nature.
4.
Oppression and Injustice: The Bible speaks strongly against the oppression of the poor and vulnerable. In
Isaiah 10:1-2, God pronounces woe upon those who enact unjust laws and deprive the needy of justice, highlighting the heinousness of such actions.
5.
Blasphemy: Speaking against or showing contempt for God is considered a heinous sin. In
Leviticus 24:16, the penalty for blasphemy is death, underscoring the severity of this offense.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, heinous sins are those that not only break God's laws but also reflect a deep-seated rebellion against His authority and holiness. They are often seen as indicative of a hardened heart and a willful rejection of God's grace and truth. The Bible teaches that all sin separates humanity from God, but heinous sins are particularly grievous because of their destructive impact on individuals and communities.
Repentance and RedemptionDespite the severity of heinous sins, the Bible offers hope for redemption through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. In 1
John 1:9, it is written, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This promise of forgiveness extends even to those who have committed the most grievous offenses, demonstrating God's boundless mercy and grace.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not shy away from condemning heinous acts, it also emphasizes the possibility of forgiveness and transformation through Christ. Believers are called to turn away from sin and seek righteousness, trusting in God's power to redeem and restore even the most broken lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Hatefully offensive or sinful; flagrant; odious; as heinous crimes; atrocious; giving great offense; -- applied to deeds or to character.
Strong's Hebrew
2154. zimmah -- a plan, device, wickedness... 1), wicked schemes (1), wickedness (2).
heinous crime, lewdly mischief, wicked
device. Or zammah {zam-maw'}; from zamam; a plan, especially
...Library
TheHeinous Sin of Drunkenness
... TheHeinous Sin of Drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 " "Be not drunk with Wine,
wherein is Excess; but be filled with the Spirit." The...
TheHeinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing
... TheHeinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing. Matthew 5:34 " "But I
say unto you, Swear not at all." Among the manyheinous...
Are all Transgressions of the Law of God EquallyHeinous in...
... Question 150: Are all transgressions of the law of God equallyheinous in
themselves, and in the sight of God? Answer: All transgressions...
Are all Transgression of the Law EquallyHeinous?
... Question 83: Are all transgression of the law equallyheinous? A83: Some
sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations...
What Sins are Trivial and whatHeinous is a Matter for God's...
... Chapter 78."What Sins are Trivial and WhatHeinous is a Matter for God's
Judgment. Now, what sins are trivial and whatheinous...
Is Then the Profaning of God's Name, by Swearing and Cursing, So...
... Lord's Day 36 Question 100 Is then the profaning of God's name, by swearing and
cursing, soheinous a sin, that his wrath is kindled against those who do not...
Is This, I Pray, that Daring andHeinous Iniquity on Account of...
... Book I. 26 Is this, I pray, that daring andheinous iniquity on account
of which the mighty? Is this, I pray, that daring and...
What are those Aggravations that Make Some Sins MoreHeinous than...
... Question 151: What are those aggravations that make some sins moreheinous
than others? Answer: Sins receive their aggravations, From...
Degrees of Sin
... Are all transgressions of the law equallyheinous?... As some diseases are worse than
others, and some poisons more venomous, so some sins are moreheinous....
Table of Contents
... [17]17. The Temptation of Christ. [18]18. TheHeinous Sin of Profane Cursing and
Swearing. [19]19.... [52]52. TheHeinous Sin of Drunkenness. [53]53....
Thesaurus
Heinous (1 Occurrence)... (a.) Hatefully offensive or sinful; flagrant; odious; as
heinous crimes; atrocious;
giving great offense; -- applied to deeds or to character.
...Appeal (30 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To charge with a crime; to accuse; to institute a private criminal prosecution
against for someheinous crime; as, to appeal a person of felony....
Adultery (49 Occurrences)
... impurity. See article BITTER, BITTERNESS. 3. AHeinous Crime: Adultery
was regarded as aheinous crime (Job 31:11). The prophets...
Forgiveness (124 Occurrences)
... is beyond forgiveness. To Him an unforgiving spirit is one of the most
heinous of sins (Bruce, Parabolic Teaching, 376). This is...
Lewd (37 Occurrences)
... 1) Zimmah, meaning a "plan," a "purpose," so translated several times and then shading
off into "evil plan"; translated also "heinous crime," "wicked purpose...
Lewdness (68 Occurrences)
... 1) Zimmah, meaning a "plan," a "purpose," so translated several times and then shading
off into "evil plan"; translated also "heinous crime," "wicked purpose...
Lustful (10 Occurrences)
... NIV). Job 31:11 For that would be aheinous crime. Yes, it would be an
iniquity to be punished by the judges: (See NAS). Jeremiah...
Grievous (73 Occurrences)
... error in judgment. 2. (a.) Characterized by great atrocity;heinous;
aggravated; flagitious; as, a grievous sin. 3. (a.) Full of...
Interest (35 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel condemns it as aheinous sin (Ezekiel 18:8, 13, 17) and holds up
the ideal of righteousness as not taking interest (22:12)....
Flagrant (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Actually in preparation, execution, or performance; carried on hotly; raging.
3. (a.) Flaming into notice; notorious; enormous;heinous....
Resources
Did David rape Bathsheba? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should Christians learn from the Mosaic Law? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Greek Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.orgHeinous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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