²⁴The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. ²⁵Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

Open sins, concealed sins. A spectrum of observation exists, of which the extremes are stated here. Some sins are clearly evident, others are not. Consider the possibilities. Some sins are so obvious that everyone with eyes can see clearly: fits of anger, pugnacious behavior (the tendency to be argumentative), greed, adultery, etc. For these, judgment is the consequences that follow naturally from the behavior. Adultery leads to broken marriages and lives, with all the hardship and heartbreak that entails. Greed brings enslavement to one’s possessions or continual frustration over the lack thereof.

Some sins are not readily observable but are exposed at some point. A secret tryst comes to light; greed for a time may be subtle but is finally confronted; a pugnacious attitude may be difficult to pin down but eventually comes to be identified for what it truly is. These are all the same sins as those openly seen but exist on the continuum because they don’t seem so bad on the surface, or a person can be good at hiding them or justifying them. For example, a person may self-justify his anger or critical spirit as expressions of righteous indignation or of a so-called prophetic gift to speak one’s mind indiscriminately. These sins are only seen when they become exposed for what they are. Their judgment can be immediate through admonishing, censuring, or excommunication. Adultery may be judged through sexually transmitted disease, loss of respect, loss of ministry, etc. See 1 Timothy 5:19–20 as an example of an elder’s sins being exposed and judged through the witness of two or three.

Some sins leave a subtle odor, such as a lack of spiritual power or joy, diminished fellowship with God and others, or lack of real spiritual growth. The person may look good on the surface, all seems well, but there is something missing, something not genuine. They are not living an authentic Christian life as they harbor secret sin. Underneath the judgment is the sense of hypocrisy and shallowness that grates at the soul but is never seen outwardly by others.

Finally, some sins are hidden and never show up this side of the grave. The person goes to the grave with all the accolades of one who lived a godly life. In their mind, they may not seem to experience God’s disapproval. But God’s judgment will follow, at the Bema seat of Christ for believers (2 Cor. 5:10) or the Great White Throne for unbelievers (Rev. 20:11).

Lord, help me to live authentically, not harboring secret sins of any kind.