(08/28/2012) Sin Without Wrongdoing?

     Labeling everyone as “sinners” before they have committed any sins, and simply because they are human, is considered, today. Also, there is more on identifying ones thoughts and feelings that are genuinely from GOD. The Yahoo! Answers writer using the ID “religion to rational” (Level 3 with 1,144 points, a member since May 31, 2012) posted the following:


Why do religions often say that people all have sins simply just because they are human without doing wrongs?


THE BATTLE AXE: Tests for Origins (08/27/2012—Believers are to use the criteria that legitimate divine predictions of future events are recognized by their being completed and actually coming to pass. This may be for events carried out by human agents or natural forces as well as miracles, signs and wonders. In general, prophecy declares divine purpose, and thereby explains the past, present and future operation of GOD among men. Believers are not encouraged to concentrate upon foretelling events so much as upon speaking to comfort, edify and exhort the body of believers (see 1st Corinthians 14: 2-4). While a person’s individual growth may include speaking in tongues (that others cannot translate or understand), dreams, trances, and unique experiences such as those described in Scripture, their spiritual value must be determined on the basis of their having benefit to other believers also.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5: 19-21, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Religion, Anyhow? (02/18/2012); Believers and The Police (01/23/2012); Sin Inherited? (01/22/2012); Girdle 11: The Wages Of Sin (11/26/2011); Limit to Sin? (03/21/2011); Born With Sin? (12/20/2010); For Our Sins? (11/21/2010)


     As part of the revelation that Divine Person is holy, pure and supremely righteous, Christianity teaches that the nature of created beings and living creatures (such as angels, animals, demons, and humankind) has been altered despite containing the imparted substance of GOD that determines all existence. Through the influence of sin over will, the living repeatedly oppose and resist divine will. Sin without “wrongdoing” is possible because “sin” may describe the condition of ones inner nature, and of various patterns displayed through the content of a person’s spiritual being.

     Given that sin does not have material being, and lacks dimension, form and substance, Christians could say that sin “does not exist,” and therefore, mankind may not destroy or remove sin. However, sin clearly has direction, effect, and presence. Sin is not the creation of GOD, and cannot dominate the divine will. Nevertheless, sin can invisibly direct the attitudes, behavior and conduct of persons in heaven, and upon the earth. Sin is uncovered, made knowable, and made visible to the living through various divine tools. Included are: admonitions, chastisement, and warnings; law (prescriptions and prohibitions); covenant, dynasty and nation; sanctions in the law (punishment); faith; and the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD.

     Language in the Scriptures often suggests that sin is an inherited characteristic, or another inborn trait like height, weight and the color of ones hair. For example, the Apostle Paul laments the human predicament that results by sin saying, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” (See Romans 7: 12-25 and Romans 8: 5-14.) The divine “remedy” for sin among humans only comes by the operation of GOD through both flesh and Spirit. Thus, GOD appears in the earth Incarnate--born of a woman, and born “under the law.” Rather than condemnation and the destruction of humanity, GOD has chosen to engage sacred processes for the recovery of mankind. Included here are sacrifice, death, rebirth, redemption, salvation, sanctification, resurrection, and judgment.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, sin is not a mental process that relies upon choice, decisions, logic, and reason. Sin is more like compulsion, habit, impulse, and obsession--behavior patterns that describe character, personality, and psychological makeup. Sin is at a very different level from these, because of “direction”. Sin opposes the existence of GOD, and the continued being of all that live as divinely created.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC