James 2:10
Verse
Context
A Warning against Favoritism
9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.10Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, etc. - This is a rabbinical form of speech. In the tract Shabbath, fol. 70, where they dispute concerning the thirty-nine works commanded by Moses, Rabbi Yochanan says: But if a man do the whole, with the omission of one, he is guilty of the whole, and of every one. In Bammidar rabba, sec. 9, fol. 200, and in Tanchum, fol. 60, there is a copious example given, how an adulteress, by that one crime, breaks all the ten commandments, and by the same mode of proof any one sin may be shown to be a breach of the whole decalogue. The truth is, any sin is against the Divine authority; and he who has committed one transgression is guilty of death; and by his one deliberate act dissolves, as far as he can, the sacred connection that subsists between all the Divine precepts and the obligation which he is under to obey, and thus casts off in effect his allegiance to God. For, if God should be obeyed in any one instance, he should be obeyed in all, as the authority and reason of obedience are the same in every case; he therefore who breaks one of these laws is, in effect, if not in fact, guilty of the whole. But there is scarcely a more common form of speech among the rabbins than this, for they consider that any one sin has the seeds of all others in it. See a multitude of examples in Schoettgen.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The best manuscripts read, "Whosoever shall have kept the whole law, and yet shall have offended (literally, 'stumbled'; not so strong as 'fall,' Rom 11:11) in one (point; here, the respecting of persons), is (hereby) become guilty of all." The law is one seamless garment which is rent if you but rend a part; or a musical harmony which is spoiled if there be one discordant note [TIRINUS]; or a golden chain whose completeness is broken if you break one link [GATAKER]. You thus break the whole law, though not the whole of the law, because you offend against love, which is the fulfilling of the law. If any part of a man be leprous, the whole man is judged to be a leper. God requires perfect, not partial, obedience. We are not to choose out parts of the law to keep, which suit our whim, while we neglect others.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For whosoever shall keep the whole law,.... Or the greatest part of it, excepting only in one point, as follows: Adam, in a state of innocence, was able to keep the whole law, but by sin he lost that power, nor can any of his posterity now keep it perfectly: they are all transgressors of it, and liable to its penalty; unregenerate men are not obedient to it, and have an aversion to it, and despise it, and cast it behind their backs; regenerate persons, who love it, and delight in it, after the inner man, do not keep it perfectly; the several parts of the law may be indeed kept by a believer, and that sincerely, but not to a perfect degree, for in many things they all offend; Christ only has perfectly kept it, and is the fulfilling end of it for righteousness; men of a pharisaical disposition may fancy they have kept it wholly, as the young man in the Gospel, and Saul, before his conversion; but this is but a fancy, and a sad mistake: the case in the text is only a supposed one, and, as it is here put, implies perfection; for it follows, and yet offend in one point; sin, which is a transgression of the law, is an offense to God the Father, who is of purer eyes than to behold it; to Jesus Christ, who loves righteousness, and hates iniquity; and to the blessed Spirit who is grieved and vexed by it; and to the justice of God, which being injured by it, demands satisfaction; and to the law of God, which accuses, convinces, reproves, and condemns for it. The word used signifies to "fall", and designs more than stumbling, even an open breach and violation of the law; and which being made, by any, in a single instance, he is guilty of all: this seems to agree with some common sayings of the Jews, that he that is suspected in one thing, is suspected in the whole law (y); and he that keeps this or the other command, keeps the whole law; and he that breaks this, or the other command, breaks the whole law; as whether it respects the sabbath, or adultery, or that command. Thou shall not covet, or any other (z): and this must be understood, not of every particular command in the law, as if he that is guilty of murder is in that instance also guilty of adultery; or he that is guilty of adultery is in that instance guilty of murder; but the sense is, that he is guilty of the breach of the whole law, though not of the whole of the law; as he that breaks anyone condition of a covenant, which may consist of many, though he does not violate every condition, yet breaks the whole covenant; so he that transgresses in anyone point of the law, breaks the whole, commits sin, and is deserving of death, and is treated by the law as a transgressor of it, let it be in what instance it will. But it does not follow from hence, that all sins are equal, as the Stoics say (a), for there are greater and lesser sins, Joh 19:11 though not some venial, and others mortal, for the wages of every sin is death; nor that the punishment of sin will be alike, as all sins were punishable alike by Draco's laws, but not by the law of God, Mat 11:22 but this may be fairly concluded from hence, that there can be no justification in the sight of God, by an imperfect obedience to, the law, or by a partial righteousness: the law requires perfect obedience, and in failure of that, though but in one point, curses and condemns; and likewise it may be inferred from hence, that a man is not at liberty to obey and neglect what commandments of the law he pleases, but should have respect to them all; which seems greatly the design of the apostle, as appears by what follows. (y) T. Bab. Erubin, fol. 69. 1. (z) Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 9. fol. 192. 3. Zohar in Exod. fol. 20. 2. & 37. 1. & in Lev. fol. 32. 3. Shemot Rabba, sect. 25. fol. 109. 3. T. Bab. Kiddushin, fol. 39. 2. & Menachot, fol. 43. 2. & Abkath Rochel, par. 1. p. 3. (a) Zeno & Chrysippus apud Laert. Vit. Zeno, p. 510.
James 2:10
A Warning against Favoritism
9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.10Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"To the Jew first..."
By Art Katz14K42:50Gospel To The JewsMAT 7:21MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 1:161CO 1:27JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the Jewish people as central to the church's mission. He argues that neglecting the Jews not only harms them but also diminishes the power of the gospel worldwide. The speaker believes that the church has avoided prioritizing the Jews, leading to a diminished understanding of the gospel and a loss of its true character and impact. He challenges the notion of pluralism and asserts that there is a single truth in Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to recognize the supernatural events in the Bible and the significance of the birth of Isaac.
Repentance - Part 2
By Derek Prince12K28:07PSA 139:21MAT 5:48MAT 6:33LUK 15:11JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke chapter 15. He highlights the contrast between the younger son, who repents and returns to his father, and the elder son, who is religious but not repentant. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and letting God deal with the hidden sins in our lives. He shares a personal story of a man who experienced a dramatic transformation after allowing God to deal with a specific issue in his life. The sermon emphasizes the need for truth and self-awareness in our relationship with God.
Book of James
By Keith Daniel5.8K1:13:50Bible ReadingJAS 1:2JAS 1:5JAS 2:3JAS 2:7JAS 2:10JAS 5:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not being enticed away by worldly distractions. He highlights the book of James as a powerful cry to those who have drawn away from their relationship with God. The speaker urges listeners to draw near to God and return to a tender walk with Him. The sermon emphasizes that anything other than a vital relationship with God is agony and encourages individuals to come back to God and avoid straying from the truth.
Being a Light in a Dark World
By Mark Cahill4.4K1:47:24EvangelismMAT 6:33ROM 2:15ROM 3:23GAL 3:24JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker begins by encouraging the audience to actively participate and respond during the talk. He directs them to open their notebooks to page 13 in the leadership section, where they will find most of the information that will be presented on the overheads. The speaker then shares a true story about teenagers handing out track booklets at the World Trade Centers, emphasizing the brevity of life and the importance of sharing the truth of Jesus Christ. He mentions a video of a man who made the decision to jump from a burning building, as well as a lady who witnessed people jumping from the building on September 11th. The speaker also mentions a student who moved to New York City on September 10th and had a phone conversation with him after the events of September 11th, causing him to question and seek answers. The sermon concludes with the speaker sharing a story about teenagers in Mobile, Alabama, who would rejoice in rejection while witnessing because they saw it as an opportunity to accumulate rewards in heaven.
Mercy in Sodom
By Voddie Baucham2.9K49:49SodomGEN 19:12MAT 5:21ROM 3:9JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the differences between the games boys and girls play, particularly focusing on a game called Mercy. The speaker then connects this game to the concept of God's mercy. They explain that God is merciful to both the righteous and the wicked, offering deliverance and warning. The speaker emphasizes that we often fail to appreciate God's mercy because we mistakenly believe we deserve it. They also discuss the importance of sharing the message of Jesus with others, highlighting the question of how much someone would have to hate another person to not share the gospel with them. The sermon concludes with a reminder that not everyone who hears the message of Jesus will be saved, as it is only those whom the Lord calls to Himself.
The Law and the Commandments
By Art Katz2.7K54:13The LawPRO 23:26MAT 5:48MAT 6:33MAT 23:27ROM 10:191CO 11:1JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the authentic root of one's life in God before delivering a message. He compares this to athletes who warm up and prepare before a competition, highlighting the need for preparation and authenticity in preaching. The speaker warns against becoming professional and affected in one's delivery, urging pastors to remain natural and unaffected in their communication. He also criticizes the unreality and fantasy prevalent in both the world and the church, calling for a return to truth and a rejection of consumerism and entertainment.
K-026 I Love the lord...but
By Art Katz2.4K50:33SurrenderPSA 119:1ISA 1:21MAT 6:33MAT 26:69ACT 2:3HEB 10:31JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Peter's denial of Jesus and the disciples' failure to stand firm in their faith. He then transitions to discussing the first chapter of Isaiah, which he describes as a melancholy chapter. The speaker emphasizes the importance of remaining obedient to God and not deviating from His commands. He uses the metaphor of wine turning to water to illustrate the spiritual decline of the people of Israel. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the cross of Christ as the only solution to restore righteousness and faithfulness.
Hell's Best Kept Secret (Mandarin)
By Ray Comfort2.4K55:43EvangelismMAT 5:3MRK 2:17LUK 10:25ROM 3:191CO 1:18JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker, Ray Comfort, shares his personal experience with evangelism in the 1970s. He noticed that a large percentage of those who made a decision to follow Christ eventually fell away from their faith. He attributes this to the modern evangelism approach that focuses on life enhancement rather than the true message of the gospel. Comfort uses the analogy of a parachute to illustrate the difference between a genuine response to the gospel and a superficial one. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the true motive for accepting Christ and the resulting transformation in one's life.
Salvation-Crystal Clear
By Jerry Mawhorr1.9K1:29:57ISA 53:5LUK 18:12JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the sinfulness of mankind in order to grasp the concept of salvation. He uses a story of a bus driver's fatal misjudgment to illustrate the consequences of not recognizing one's own sinfulness. The preacher then references the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to highlight the humility and repentance necessary for salvation. He warns of the torment and fear that awaits those who do not turn to God, citing the example of the rich man in hell. The sermon concludes with testimonies of individuals facing death and expressing their fear of what awaits them in the afterlife.
Hell - Part 2
By Norman Grubb1.7K30:23HellPRO 19:3MAT 5:48MAT 7:1ROM 6:14ROM 7:4ROM 7:6JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing the negative aspects of life and embracing change. He uses the example of Jesus, who was seen as a fool by the world but had the guidance and faith to fulfill God's purpose. The preacher encourages the audience to refrain from judging others and instead accept them as they are, trusting that God has a purpose for everyone. He also emphasizes the need to love oneself and recognize that every individual is precious to God.
What's Wrong With the Gospel? Part 1
By Keith Green1.3K59:32PSA 139:23MAT 11:28MRK 8:34ROM 3:20ROM 6:23GAL 3:24HEB 10:31JAS 2:10This sermon delves into the importance of not diluting the gospel message, emphasizing the need to address the missing parts in modern preaching. It highlights the significance of the blood of Jesus, the cross, the threat of hell, and the law of God in convicting sinners. The speaker challenges the trend of avoiding tough topics like sin, hell, and the law, urging a return to the full counsel of God's Word.
Samson - Physically Strong, Morally Weak
By William MacDonald1.3K42:11SamsonJDG 13:1MAT 6:33ROM 3:15JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a river that went dry and a man who tried to cover up a dead body in the riverbed. However, the body was eventually discovered and the man was put to death. The speaker then transitions to talking about the power of the blood of Christ to wash away all sins, regardless of a person's past. They emphasize the importance of prayer and how God hears and answers prayers in different languages all over the world. The sermon also touches on the concept of breaking one commandment being equivalent to breaking them all, and the need for confession and forgiveness of sins. The speaker concludes by highlighting the consequences of sin and how it has a way of finding a person out, using the example of Aaron burying a body only to have it exposed by a storm.
How God Saved Me From Infidelity
By Rolfe Barnard1.2K58:59PSA 14:1MAT 6:33ACT 9:1ROM 3:23JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his caution and humility in discussing the topic of infidelity. He mentions that he hates when preachers focus on themselves rather than the message of God. He emphasizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the power of God to save or damn individuals. The preacher also highlights the importance of submitting to the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. Additionally, he mentions that every human being knows that there is a God, as it is evident through creation.
The Preaching of George Whitefield
By E.A. Johnston1.1K1:00:21George WhitefieldEXO 19:18MAT 5:17JHN 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 6:14GAL 3:24JAS 2:10The video is a sermon transcript about the preaching of George Whitefield, a renowned preacher in the 18th century. Whitefield had a powerful and captivating preaching style that kept his audience in awe. He was able to vividly describe scenes and draw his listeners into the message, making them feel as if they were witnessing the events themselves. His preaching was compared to the intensity of Mount Sinai and had a profound impact on his audience, often leading to scenes of emotional distress and conversion. The video also mentions the dramatic death of Whitefield, where he struggled to breathe and ultimately passed away while his aide held him.
Samson
By William MacDonald1.1K42:09SamsonNUM 6:2LUK 7:38LUK 15:2JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the cycle of sin and redemption that is seen throughout the book of Judges. He emphasizes that sin enslaves us and leads to a cycle of rebellion, retribution, repentance, and rest. The preacher uses the example of a boy named Johnny who lies to escape punishment for killing his mother's favorite duck, highlighting the tendency to lie to avoid consequences. He also addresses other sins such as cheating, profanity, lust, anger, and hatred, emphasizing the need for repentance and turning to God for forgiveness. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus taught the importance of love and warned against the destructive nature of sin.
Is Jesus Your First Love
By R. Edward Miller64135:39JesusMAT 3:17MAT 12:18MRK 12:30JAS 2:10REV 19:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives and not allowing any idols to take His place. He shares a story about a young lady named Jackie who knew what God wanted her to do, but chose to go against His will and live in His permissive will instead. The preacher also highlights the example of Paul and Silas, who praised God even when they were imprisoned, showing the importance of praising God in all circumstances. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus is to be exalted and glorified in our lives, and that we should align ourselves with His purposes and desires.
The Hand Writing on the Wall
By Brian Long56256:17JudgmentEXO 20:14MAT 5:21MAT 5:27MAT 7:23MAT 25:32JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the brevity and uncertainty of life, drawing from James 4:14. He compares life to a vapor, a fleeting moment that quickly disappears. The preacher also shares a powerful story of a man who was about to commit suicide but had a life-changing encounter with God. The man's realization of his sins and his cry for mercy led to his salvation. The sermon concludes with an invitation for anyone in need of Jesus to come forward and receive salvation.
Sunday Night Meditations 54 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler41230:14PRO 27:1LUK 13:3JHN 3:16JHN 8:1JHN 14:6ROM 3:23JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel with others. They encourage Christians to take every opportunity to tell the story of God's redeeming grace, as Christ is a proven Savior. The preacher warns against wasting time and urges listeners to prepare to meet God. They use the analogy of the ant and the grasshopper to illustrate the importance of working diligently and storing up treasures in heaven. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize their eternal salvation over worldly pleasures.
The Ultimate Prize of Christianity
By Michael Durham33148:01ChristianityMAT 6:33ROM 5:1ROM 5:5ROM 5:9ROM 5:11JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly loving God and having a genuine relationship with Him. He highlights that many people in Christianity today go through the motions of church without truly loving God. The preacher explains that our hope of fellowship with God comes through Jesus, who reveals God's heart for us. He also discusses the concept of justification by faith, emphasizing that breaking even one of God's commandments breaks the whole chain leading to heaven. The sermon concludes with the preacher emphasizing the need for spiritual rebirth and the impossibility of earning salvation through keeping the law.
The Fallacy of "Insignificant Sin"
By A.W. Tozer1SinForgivenessISA 59:2MAT 5:28LUK 13:3JHN 8:34ROM 3:231CO 10:12GAL 5:17EPH 2:1JAS 2:101JN 1:9A.W. Tozer addresses the misconception that minor sins are insignificant and can be overlooked by God. He emphasizes that a person's standing before God is determined not by the severity of their sins but by whether they have been forgiven and their allegiance to God or the devil. Tozer illustrates this with the analogy of a soldier who, by merely siding with rebels, is guilty of mutiny regardless of his actions. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of sin and the necessity of repentance and forgiveness.
Caught in the Public Eye
By Charles Finney0True Commitment to GodHypocrisyMAT 23:33JHN 12:432CO 10:122TI 3:12JAS 2:10Charles Finney addresses the dangers of seeking the praise of men over the praise of God, emphasizing that true self-love aligns with God's law, while selfishness leads to hypocrisy. He warns that many professing Christians are motivated by a desire for reputation rather than a genuine commitment to glorifying God, often conforming to public sentiment instead of biblical standards. Finney challenges listeners to examine their hearts and motives, urging them to prioritize God's authority over societal approval. He calls for a radical commitment to Christ, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith regardless of public opinion. Ultimately, he stresses that true Christianity requires a complete surrender to God's will, regardless of the cost.
Prof. Finney's Letters.--No. 36.
By Charles Finney0Holiness vs. SinMoral CharacterPRO 4:23MAT 6:24MAT 22:37ROM 12:1GAL 5:17PHP 2:13COL 3:23JAS 2:101PE 1:151JN 3:9Charles Finney emphasizes that moral character is either wholly right or wholly wrong, arguing that it cannot be a mixture of both. He explains that true holiness is defined by the ultimate intention of the mind to promote the glory of God and the good of others, while sin is the choice of self-gratification over these higher goods. Finney critiques various philosophical suppositions that suggest the coexistence of holiness and sin, asserting that such a notion is fundamentally flawed. He concludes that moral character is determined solely by one's ultimate intention, which must align with God's law to be considered virtuous. The letter serves as a call to recognize the simplicity of moral action and the necessity of complete devotion to God.
1 John 3:4
By John Gill0God's LawSinROM 3:20GAL 5:19JAS 2:101JN 3:4John Gill emphasizes that sin, in any form, represents a deliberate and persistent transgression of God's moral law, which is essential for a righteous life. He clarifies that while human laws may vary, true sin is defined by its opposition to God's commandments, which encompass our thoughts, words, and actions. Gill warns that a continuous pattern of sin not only brings about guilt and condemnation but also jeopardizes one's status as a child of God. He underscores that sin is ultimately an affront to God Himself, as it violates His holy and just nature. The sermon serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of aligning our lives with God's will.
One Sin Allowed, Wallowed and Tumbled In
By Thomas Brooks0SinHolinessLEV 13:45JAS 2:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the grave danger of allowing even one sin to persist in our lives, equating it to gross hypocrisy. He illustrates how one sin can lead to the loss of glory, dignity, and ultimately, the presence of God, much like a single leprous spot can render a person unclean. Brooks warns that indulging in one sin can lead to eternal misery and separation from God's blessings, drawing parallels to historical examples of loss due to singular actions. He concludes with a poignant reminder that the cost of one sin can be the forfeiture of a heavenly kingdom, urging listeners to seek complete purity.
Duty of Constant Communion
By John Wesley0CommunionObedience to GodPSA 119:11MAT 26:26LUK 22:19JHN 6:53ACT 2:42ROM 12:11CO 11:24HEB 10:25JAS 2:101JN 1:9John Wesley emphasizes the duty of constant communion in the Lord's Supper, arguing that it is a command from Christ and essential for spiritual nourishment and forgiveness. He addresses common objections, such as feelings of unworthiness and lack of time, asserting that these should not prevent believers from partaking in this sacrament. Wesley encourages Christians to view the Lord's Supper as both a command and a mercy, urging them to seize every opportunity to receive it for their spiritual growth and strength. He concludes that neglecting this practice is a disobedience to God's command and a missed opportunity for grace.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, etc. - This is a rabbinical form of speech. In the tract Shabbath, fol. 70, where they dispute concerning the thirty-nine works commanded by Moses, Rabbi Yochanan says: But if a man do the whole, with the omission of one, he is guilty of the whole, and of every one. In Bammidar rabba, sec. 9, fol. 200, and in Tanchum, fol. 60, there is a copious example given, how an adulteress, by that one crime, breaks all the ten commandments, and by the same mode of proof any one sin may be shown to be a breach of the whole decalogue. The truth is, any sin is against the Divine authority; and he who has committed one transgression is guilty of death; and by his one deliberate act dissolves, as far as he can, the sacred connection that subsists between all the Divine precepts and the obligation which he is under to obey, and thus casts off in effect his allegiance to God. For, if God should be obeyed in any one instance, he should be obeyed in all, as the authority and reason of obedience are the same in every case; he therefore who breaks one of these laws is, in effect, if not in fact, guilty of the whole. But there is scarcely a more common form of speech among the rabbins than this, for they consider that any one sin has the seeds of all others in it. See a multitude of examples in Schoettgen.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The best manuscripts read, "Whosoever shall have kept the whole law, and yet shall have offended (literally, 'stumbled'; not so strong as 'fall,' Rom 11:11) in one (point; here, the respecting of persons), is (hereby) become guilty of all." The law is one seamless garment which is rent if you but rend a part; or a musical harmony which is spoiled if there be one discordant note [TIRINUS]; or a golden chain whose completeness is broken if you break one link [GATAKER]. You thus break the whole law, though not the whole of the law, because you offend against love, which is the fulfilling of the law. If any part of a man be leprous, the whole man is judged to be a leper. God requires perfect, not partial, obedience. We are not to choose out parts of the law to keep, which suit our whim, while we neglect others.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For whosoever shall keep the whole law,.... Or the greatest part of it, excepting only in one point, as follows: Adam, in a state of innocence, was able to keep the whole law, but by sin he lost that power, nor can any of his posterity now keep it perfectly: they are all transgressors of it, and liable to its penalty; unregenerate men are not obedient to it, and have an aversion to it, and despise it, and cast it behind their backs; regenerate persons, who love it, and delight in it, after the inner man, do not keep it perfectly; the several parts of the law may be indeed kept by a believer, and that sincerely, but not to a perfect degree, for in many things they all offend; Christ only has perfectly kept it, and is the fulfilling end of it for righteousness; men of a pharisaical disposition may fancy they have kept it wholly, as the young man in the Gospel, and Saul, before his conversion; but this is but a fancy, and a sad mistake: the case in the text is only a supposed one, and, as it is here put, implies perfection; for it follows, and yet offend in one point; sin, which is a transgression of the law, is an offense to God the Father, who is of purer eyes than to behold it; to Jesus Christ, who loves righteousness, and hates iniquity; and to the blessed Spirit who is grieved and vexed by it; and to the justice of God, which being injured by it, demands satisfaction; and to the law of God, which accuses, convinces, reproves, and condemns for it. The word used signifies to "fall", and designs more than stumbling, even an open breach and violation of the law; and which being made, by any, in a single instance, he is guilty of all: this seems to agree with some common sayings of the Jews, that he that is suspected in one thing, is suspected in the whole law (y); and he that keeps this or the other command, keeps the whole law; and he that breaks this, or the other command, breaks the whole law; as whether it respects the sabbath, or adultery, or that command. Thou shall not covet, or any other (z): and this must be understood, not of every particular command in the law, as if he that is guilty of murder is in that instance also guilty of adultery; or he that is guilty of adultery is in that instance guilty of murder; but the sense is, that he is guilty of the breach of the whole law, though not of the whole of the law; as he that breaks anyone condition of a covenant, which may consist of many, though he does not violate every condition, yet breaks the whole covenant; so he that transgresses in anyone point of the law, breaks the whole, commits sin, and is deserving of death, and is treated by the law as a transgressor of it, let it be in what instance it will. But it does not follow from hence, that all sins are equal, as the Stoics say (a), for there are greater and lesser sins, Joh 19:11 though not some venial, and others mortal, for the wages of every sin is death; nor that the punishment of sin will be alike, as all sins were punishable alike by Draco's laws, but not by the law of God, Mat 11:22 but this may be fairly concluded from hence, that there can be no justification in the sight of God, by an imperfect obedience to, the law, or by a partial righteousness: the law requires perfect obedience, and in failure of that, though but in one point, curses and condemns; and likewise it may be inferred from hence, that a man is not at liberty to obey and neglect what commandments of the law he pleases, but should have respect to them all; which seems greatly the design of the apostle, as appears by what follows. (y) T. Bab. Erubin, fol. 69. 1. (z) Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 9. fol. 192. 3. Zohar in Exod. fol. 20. 2. & 37. 1. & in Lev. fol. 32. 3. Shemot Rabba, sect. 25. fol. 109. 3. T. Bab. Kiddushin, fol. 39. 2. & Menachot, fol. 43. 2. & Abkath Rochel, par. 1. p. 3. (a) Zeno & Chrysippus apud Laert. Vit. Zeno, p. 510.