Sins of Equals in Scripture and Early Church

The concept of the sins of equals refers to the pride and envy that can arise when individuals perceive themselves as being on the same level as others, often leading to strife and competition. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, but when we focus on our own status or perceived equality with others, we can forget this truth and succumb to sinful attitudes. The sins of equals can manifest in various ways, such as envy, jealousy, or a desire for superiority, as seen in the examples of Aaron and Miriam in Numbers 12:2, who questioned Moses' authority, or the instance of Diotrephes in 3 John 1:9, who refused to welcome other believers.

The Scripture references provided, such as Galatians 5:26, which warns against provoking and envying one another, and Luke 22:24, which describes the disciples' argument over who was the greatest, demonstrate the biblical concern with the sins of equals. These passages highlight the dangers of allowing pride and envy to govern our relationships with others, rather than humility and love.

In Reformed theology, the concept of the sins of equals is closely tied to the doctrine of total depravity, which recognizes that sin affects every aspect of human nature, including our relationships with others. The gospel offers hope and redemption from these sins, as believers are called to put off the old self and put on the new self, created in the likeness of God, as described in Ephesians 4:22-24, and to walk in humility and love towards one another.