Satan lost his place in heaven because of pride. He had the knowledge of sin and wanted to disseat God. So is that knowledge plus pride=sin. Is there such a thing as moderate righteousness and understanding sin but not going there? pljames
Is there such a thing as sin?
Statik,
You can always degrade and offend a relationship that you hold sacred with something or someone; even yourself.
Is there then sin?
Definitely.
That’s not just knowledge and pride; that’s also coveting and malice.
If it were just knowledge and pride, then Satan would be the image of the tenured Marine.
“Pride comes before the fall”; it isn’t, “the fall”.
So in the version of Satan that holds him as a mutineer, he first is knowing and proud.
He then covets and grows malice.
Stir that in a pot and tip that over the edge, weeee! Hot burning oil.
I think satan was also guilty of jealousy and envy tempered with an eye for power.
As far as righteousness goes, there is either that or nothing. Righteousness can not be divided into different shades of gray (as far as God is concerned I believe.) Knowing about sin does not cause condemnation. Acting on what is thought to be sinful is. The heart (conscience of mind if you will) can be a reflection of sin. I’m going to say there is no gradation of sin as far as God discernment goes. To God (IMO) a sin is a sin.