Define the nature of sin and discuss its consequences both temporally and eternally.
Question:
Define the nature of sin and discuss its consequences both temporally and eternally.
Answer:
When evaluating sin we must understand it in the context of our humanity. John 8:44 says “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
We can understand that by nature we are objects of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:3) and this is so because our father is the devil until God adopts us into His family (Ephesians 1:5). We also understand that since the origin of sin is the devil and our identity is initially found in him we must strive to examine the characteristics of Satan. In the above passage (John 8:44), we can clearly see that the natural implications of our hereditary makeup in the devil is to carry out his desire and inherit his other traits (sin). With this understanding of the origins of sin we can then posit the contrary premise that if our God is our Father than we must “carry out [His] desire” and this would be the opposite of sin. Thus, sin is doing something that is contrary to God our Father’s will – in effect aligned to Satan’s desire/will.
Additionally, as we would inherit the traits of the devil (once our father) we would then inherit …
Please discuss both the original and current nature of humanity.
Question:
Please discuss both the original and current nature of humanity.
Answer:
In order to understand the original and current nature of humanity, we must venture right to the beginning of our creation. In Genesis 1:26-30, we see the creation account where God decides to create man in His image and provides for them everything that is needed. Interestingly, in Genesis 1:31 we see God’s proclamation that “it was very good”. This is not just a simple classification but an escalated declaration of God’s assessment of His created works. If we look to just prior to the account of man’s creation in Genesis 1:25, we see that preceding our creation God has declared his works “good” not “very good”. Something special had occurred and that was the entry of man a unique element of His creation that shared in His image (more information on what this means in this post on being made in the image of God).
Original state:
Man’s nature contained an intrinsic resemblance of God’s divine nature. Both male and female were made with God’s hands and thus no lack of equality is present. Some even have cleverly presented that woman was created after man as God’s final creation act and thus in verse 31 declares it all “very good”. At this time free will was given to man and a command was given to not eat of the tree.
The fall:
Interestingly, Eve makes a mistake even when confronted by Satan saying that God said not to …
Heaven and Hell - A glimpse into eternity…
Key verse(s)/quote(s):
“The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” - Matthew 13:41-42
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” - Revelation 21:1-4
Key takeaway(s):
- Christians are born twice (physically & then spiritually) and die once (physically) and non-Christians born once (physically) and die twice (physically & spiritually).
- Soul sleep does not exist in Scripture
- Annihilation does not exist in Scripture
- The word “Hell” isn’t always used to mean the same place or condition
Overview:
A few weeks ago, a sister in Christ (yes, you Yvonne 
) text messaged me during her fellowship study asking about a “middle place” after death and what …
