SIN AND NATURE?
- Oct 11, 2022
- 42 min read
Updated: Jan 28, 2024
Many professed Christian theologians and churches believe the erroneous view that your human nature is Sin. God created a human nature that was undefiled, pure and sinless and this nature was tainted by Adam's sin, and being tainted by sin is henceforth described as sinful, fallen human nature.
To define human Nature as sin and the converse that Sin, the very thing itself, is HUMAN NATURE or your CONDITION or STATE creates a few problems as we will see.
This webpage will consider the following:
What is Human Nature?
What is Sin?
The impact of sin on human nature.
Origin of sin?
Is [human] nature sin?
Is sin an act of transgression?
The Bible definition of sin?
The effects of Adam’s sin?
Are Babies BORN sinners?
What is the definition of a sinner?
Do babies go to hell at death?
Why do babies die?
The Sanctuary service & "Nature is Sin”?
WHAT IS SIN?
There are three options with only one being the truth.
Human NATURE (State or Condition) is sin.
Sin is the ACT of transgressing God’s law. 1John 3:4
Combination of (1) & (2)
We will cut to the chase and categorically state that Sin is an ACT of Transgression, the transgression of God's Law. This act is occasioned in the mind itself before it is even manifested outwardly and indeed may never be manifested at all. Matthew 5:28
NATURE (ANGELIC OR HUMAN) AND SIN
Nature, whether angelic or human was created by God.
These natures were pure, undefiled, holy, sinless.
The angels with pure natures did something called Sin. 2Peter 2:4
The angels by choice committed an ACT of transgression.
It was never IN their nature to sin, they chose to sin
Like the angels, Adam & Eve were created with pure natures.
They too did something called Sin. Isaiah 43:27
It wasn't their nature that made them sin, but a conscious ACT on their part.
They chose to sin, to commit an act of transgression.
Hence the angels and man tainted their natures by the act of sinning.
Those that fell now possessed what we call sinful or fallen natures.
It goes to follow that NATURE & SIN are completely separate entities
Neither defines the other.
The act of Sinning tainted a NATURE that was never Sin in the first place.
Hence UNFALLEN angelic nature committed an ACT of transgression called SIN
FALLEN angelic nature commits ACTS of transgression called SIN
UNFALLEN human nature committed an ACT of transgression called SIN
FALLEN human nature commits ACTS of transgression called SIN
Sin is not nature, sin is what nature did.
NATURE (the make-up of the individual whether angelic or human) predated SIN.
Hence there is a clear distinction between NATURE (the person) and SIN, the thing the person did or does.
WHAT IS NATURE?
LUCIFER'S NATURE
Sin had its origin in heaven with a created angelic being called Lucifer. He was the covering cherub who chose to go against God. Sin is a mystery. It cannot be explained.
Lucifer was created perfect in all his ways until iniquity (sin) was found in him - Ezekiel 28:15. His nature was good, holy, righteous. He was magnificent to look at and every precious stone was his covering including the sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle and gold. His heart was lifted up because of his beauty and he corrupted his mind because of his brightness.
“Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.... Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:12-15. DD 1.5 GC 493.3 (1911)
The Bible says:
Lucifer's physical form was "perfect in beauty"
Lucifer's intellect was "full of wisdom"
Lucifer's moral nature was "perfect in all his ways"
ANGELIC NATURE IS THREEFOLD
Physical form
Intellectual powers
Moral powers.
It was perfect, pure, holy and good.
“Before this earth was called into being, God’s law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, and in order for earth to be in harmony with heaven, man also must obey the divine statutes. To man in Eden Christ made known the precepts of the law “when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. ….…” { MB 48.1}
SIN BEGAN IN HEAVEN WITH LUCIFER'S FALL
"Before this earth was called into being, God's law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, ..." {AG102.2 - God's Amazing Grace}
Lucifer's sin was that He coveted something which did not belong to him. He wanted to be like the Most High. Isaiah 14:14. But the commandment said, "thou shalt not covet" and Lucifer coveted and in that he sinned.
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:12-14
“…God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” 2Peter 2:4, Rev 12:9
"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." 1John 3:8
LUCIFER"S CHOICE
“Commiteth sin” - 1John 3:8
From the Greek, “Poieo”
- a verb
1 - to make
11 - to do
“Sinneth” - 1John 3:8
From the Greek, “harmatano”
- a verb
to be without a share in
to miss the mark
To err, be mistaken
To miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honor, to do or go wrong
To wander from the law of God, violate God’s law, sin
Lucifer committed an ACT of transgression despite his perfect, UNFALLEN angelic NATURE & became a sinner.
SIN IS CHOICE, AN ACT
God “... takes no pleasure in a forced allegiance, and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service. But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven.” {DD 1.4-5}
“The sinner is such by his own deliberate choice.” {ST March 9, 1882, par. 3}
"The entrance of sin into heaven cannot be explained. If it were explainable, it would show that there was some reason for sin. But as there was not the least excuse for it, its origin will ever remain shrouded in mystery." —The Review and Herald, March 9, 1886. { TA 31.1}
"God did not create evil. He only made the good, which was like Himself.... Evil, sin, and death ... are the result of disobedience, which originated in Satan.—The Review and Herald, August 4, 1910. { TA 31.2}
Sinless natures through choice committed the act of transgression and thus sin resulted in separation from God.
WAR IN HEAVEN - SEPARATION FROM GOD
Sin at its first entrance into God's universe was an action committed by a being whose nature was perfect and sinless and with that first act of transgression his nature became evil, fallen, sinful. Other angels followed Lucifer's course of action and sinned against God - 2Peter 2:4
Here we have a situation where angels who were created with perfect natures DID something called sin, they transgressed the law of God.
Therefore, every discussion concerning HUMAN NATURE and the definition of SIN must find its place at sin's first entrance, at its very commencement - a wilful act of transgression by one whose nature was perfect. Sin, therefore, has nothing whatsoever to do with one's nature, and cannot be defined by an individual's state or condition.
"It is impossible to explain the origin of sin, or to give a reason for its existence. It is an intruder, for whose existence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it, is to defend it. Could it be excused, could a cause be shown for its existence, it would cease to be sin. Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is "the transgression of the law." {4SP 316.2}
The consequence of that first sin was devastating. The scripture records it thus in Rev 12:9:
"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Rev 12:7-9
GOD CREATES HUMAN NATURE
“And God said let us make man in our image…. So the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 1:26, 2:7
HUMAN NATURE IS THREEFOLD
Physical form
Intellectual power - mind
Moral power - mind
It was perfect, pure, holy and good
God created human nature. The NATURE of man is threefold and consists of the PHYSICAL body and the INTELLECTUAL and MORAL powers of the mind.
"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." Genesis 1:31
“The nature of man is threefold, and the training enjoined by Solomon comprehends the right development of the physical, intellectual, and moral powers.” {FE 57.1}
ADAM'S HUMAN NATURE
Adam had the advantage over Christ, in that when he was assailed by the tempter, none of the effects of sin were upon him. He stood in the strength of perfect manhood, possessing the full vigor of mind and body. Ms. 113, 1902, pp. 1, 2 (See DA 117). {17MR 28.4}
THE TEST
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:15-17
SINLESS HUMAN NATURE SUCCUMBS TO TEMPTATION & SINS
Adam and Eve, like the angels failed to keep God's commandments. Despite pure and holy natures they too committed an act of transgression and failed the test God had for them.
"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make onewise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." Genesis 3:6
Note the actions in the verse:
She SAW the tree
She TOOK the fruit
She ATE the fruit
She GAVE the fruit to her husband.
He did EAT the fruit
They both committed an ACT of transgression (sin) and with that act, their natures - the physical, intellectual and moral powers of their makeup became fallen, sinful, evil, depraved, carnal etc. They had tainted the original human nature God had created, by their sin. A further consequence of their sin was, they now possessed physical bodies that were mortal and subject to death. They both began to die that day.
SIN IS YOUR OWN ACT
It is Satan’s act to tempt you, but your own act to yield. It is not in the power of all the host of Satan to force the tempted to transgress. There is no excuse for sin. { MYP 430.1}
“However great the pressure brought upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil. However severe or unexpected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in His strength we may conquer. { EP 294.2 }
“No matter how severe the pressure brought to bear upon you, sin is your own act. The seat of the difficulty is the unrenewed heart. { AH 331.1}
“The sinner is such by his own deliberate choice.” {ST March 9, 1882, par. 3}
THE WILL - THE GOVERNING POWER
“The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the deciding power, which works in the children of men unto obedience to God, or unto disobedience.” { CG 209.1}
“…. The will is ... the power of decision, or choice.”
{ CG 209.2}
What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him. { SC 47.1}
“Every human being possessed of reason has power to choose the right. In every experience of life God’s word to us is, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15. Everyone may place his will on the side of the will of God, may choose to obey Him, and by thus linking himself with divine agencies, he may stand where nothing can force him to do evil.In every youth, every child, lies the power, by the help of God, to form a character of integrity and to live a life of usefulness. { CG 209.3}
"As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings." — Christ’s Object Lessons, 331-333. { RC 298.5}
ADAM & EVE SUCCUMBS TO SIN BY DELIBERATE CHOICE
He expels the guilty pair from the garden. The law says the penalty of sin is death, and they have brought on themselves, by deliberate choice, the loss of eternal life. The course of God toward the rebellious has not changed. There is no way back to innocence and life except through repentance for having transgressed God’s law, and faith in the merits of the divine sacrifice, who has suffered for your transgressions of the past; and you are accepted in the Beloved on condition of obedience to the commandments of your Creator. { ST December 15, 1887, par. 4 }
DEFINITION OF A SINNER
NOAH WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY - 1928
SINNER, n.
1. One that has voluntarily violated the divine law; a moral agent who has voluntarily disobeyed any divine precept, or neglected any known duty.
2. It is used in contradistinction to saint, to denote an unregenerate person; one who has not received the pardon of his sins.
3. AN offender; a criminal.
DEFINITION OF GUILT
NOAH WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY - 1928
GUILT, n. gilt.
1. Criminality; that state of a moral agent which results from his actual commission of a crime or offense, knowing it to be a crime, or violation of law. To constitute guilt there must be a moral agent enjoying freedom of will,and capable of distinguishing between right and wrong, and a wilful or intentional violation of a known law, or rule of duty. The guilt of a person exists, as soon as the crime is committed; but to evince it to others, it must be proved by confession, or conviction in due course of law. Guilt renders a person a debtor to the law, as it binds him to pay a penalty in money or suffering. Guilt therefore implies both criminality and liableness to punishment. Guilt may proceed either from a positive act or breach of law, or from voluntary neglect of known duty.
2. Criminality in a political or civil view; exposure to forfeiture or other penalty.
A ship incurs guilt by the violation of a blockade.
3. Crime; offense.
A few conditions need to be in place for guilt to exist:
There has to be a moral agent
The commission of a crime or offense
Knowing it to be a crime, or violation of law.
A moral agent enjoying freedom of will
Moral agent capable of distinguishing between right and wrong
A wilful or intentional violation of a known law
Guilt exists, as soon as the crime is committed;
Guilt renders a person a debtor to the law
Guilt binds him or her to pay a penalty in money or suffering.
Guilt therefore implies both criminality and liableness to punishment.
Guilt may proceed either from a positive act or breach of law
Guilt - from a voluntary neglect of known duty.
SIN
THE FACT ABOUT SIN IS THAT IT IS AN ACT OF TRANSGRESSION
"A terrible doom awaits the sinner, and therefore it is necessary that we know what sin is, in order that we may escape from its power. John says, Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law" (1John 3:4). Here we have the true definition of sin; it is the transgression of the law." How often the sinner is urged to leave his sins, and come to Jesus; but has the messenger who would lead him to Christ clearly pointed out the way? Has he clearly pointed out the fact that "sin is the transgression of the law," and that he must repent and forsake the breaking of God's commandments? ... [FW 117.2]
"It is not in the power of Satan to force anyone to sin. Sin is the sinner's individual act. Before sin exists in the heart, THE CONSENT OF THE WILL MUST BE GIVEN,and as soon as it is given, sin is triumphant, and hell rejoices. But there is no excuse for sin, either great or little. E.G.W, The Signs of the Times, 12-18-93.
THE NATURE OF SIN
"I dwelt a few moments upon the nature of sin; that sin was the transgression of the law,and how through repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ the sinner might be saved with a full and free salvation. But he is not saved by the merits of the blood of Christ while he continues to transgress the Father's law. . . . Christ died to evidence to the sinner that there was no hope for him while he continued in sin. Obedience to all God's requirements is his only hope for pardon through the blood of Christ. I dwelt largely upon the great reward to be given the final overcomer--the crown of life that fadeth not away to be placed upon his brow." {UL 189.5}
THERE IS NO OTHER DEFINITION OF SIN
There is no definition given in our world but that transgression is the transgression of the law; and therefore he finds out what sin is. And there is repentance toward God; and what then?—why, faith toward our Lord and SaviourJesus Christ that can speak pardon to the transgressor. “ { 1SAT 121.2 }
1JOHN 3:4
The true definition of sin.
The only definition of sin.
Is the fact, that defines sin.
The nature of sin.
There is no other definition of sin.
The nature of angels or man whether sinless or fallen does not define sin. Sin was an ACT committed by both natures, therefore, sin cannot be defined as nature, a state or condition. Nature predated sin & succumbed to temptation & committed the ACT of transgression.
THE DEFINITION OF A SINNER
A TRANSGRESSOR OF GOD'S LAW
"Man's conscience has become hardened by sin, and his understanding darkened by transgression, and his judgment has become confused as to what is sin. He has become benumbed by the influence of iniquity, and it is essential that his conscience be aroused to understand that sin is the transgression of God's holy law. He who does not obey the commandments of God is a sinner in the sight of God. [ST June 20, 1895, par 5]
Sin is the act of transgressing God's law. All are agreed that babies have not transgressed the law. Babies do not commit sin. They do not know good and evil. As we will see some have charged that babies are born sinners. That they are not fit to live.
The word sinner is a noun and has the following meaning in Noah Websters 1828 dictionary:
1. One that has voluntarily violated the divine law; a moral agent who has voluntarily disobeyed any divine precept, or neglected any known duty.
2. It is used in contradistinction to saint, to denote an unregenerate person; one who has not received the pardon of his sins.
3. AN offender; a criminal.
There is no other meaning for the word "sinner" except that given to it by theologians and individuals who disregard or pay lip service to the law of God.
The testimony is consistent with the meaning of the word sinner - "He who does not obey the commandments of God is a sinner in the sight of God.” {ST, June 20, 1895 par. 5}
Babies cannot by any stretch of the imagination fit the above meanings for the word sinner. The charge that babies are sinners deserving of death and unfit to live is, therefore, a false one straight from the wine of Babylon. Babies are innocent of the charge. They are classed as "innocents" in the plan of salvation.
WHY DO BABIES DIE OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER?
Babies die as a result of inheriting from fallen Adam a MORTAL body.
Babies die but NOT by the cunningly devised fable that they are sinners.
Babies are innocent of any charge.
Babies NEED a saviour despite being innocent of any charge.
Babies need to be rescued from the death occasioned by a mortal body.
The innocent cannot be left in the grave by a God who is just.
Jesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life is that saviour.
THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW
As already seen sin is the transgression of God's law regardless of whether NATURE (angelic or human) is SINLESS or SINFUL.
“He must convince the transgressor that he is a sinner, because “sin is the transgression of the law.” {CTr 247.2}
“We have found that this wicked power that rules us is anarchy, sin. But is sin a personality? Is sin itself a person?—No; sin comes from a person.” {May 6, 1902 ATJ, ARSH 11.10}
It is not in the power of Satan to force anyone to sin. Sin is the sinner's individual act. BEFORE SIN EXISTS in the heart,THE CONSENT OF THE WILL MUST BE GIVEN, and as soon as it is given, sin is triumphant, and hell rejoices. But there is no excuse for sin, either great or little. EGW, The Signs of the Times, 12-18-93.
JOHN 8:3-11 - CAUGHT IN THE VERY ACT
The situation in John 8:3-11 is a classic for the act of sin.
"And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very ACT. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:3-11
The woman (and man whom they did not accuse) was caught in the very act of unlawful intercourse. Someone had spied on them and reported her. She had transgressed the law which said, "Thou shalt not commit adultery", the penalty of which was death.
Notice how Jesus associates this act of adultery with sin when he asks the accusers of the woman - "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" and then he tells the woman, "go and sin no more". In this scenario sin is illustrated as an action committed and visible outwardly. Jesus then tells the woman to "go and sin no more".
However, Jesus also taught using the same example of adultery, that sin is an action which can be committed in the mind without any outward visible manifestation. In both instances sin is an ACTION. Notice in the above illustration, the accusers of the woman were "convicted by their own conscience", that they too were just as much sinners as the woman. Maybe some had even lusted after this very same woman. Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matt 5:27,28.
MATTHEW 5:27,28
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matt 5:27,28.
"LOOKETH"
Strong's Number 991
Original Word Word Origin
blevpw a primary word
1
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Blepo 5:315,706
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
blep'-o Verb
Definition
metaph. to see with the mind's eye
a. to have (the power of) understanding
b. to discern mentally, observe, perceive, discover, understand
c. to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully, examine in a geographical sense of places, mountains, buildings, etc. turning towards any quarter, as it were, facing it
"LUST AFTER"
Strong's Number 1937
Original Word Word Origin
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Epithumeo 3:168,339
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
ep-ee-thoo-meh'-o Verb
Definition
1. to turn upon a thing
2. to have a desire for, long for, to desire
3. to lust after, covet
a. of those who seek things forbidden
"HEART"
Strong's Number: 2588
Original Word Word Origin
kardiva prolonged from a primary kar (Latin, cor, "heart")
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Kardia 3:605,415
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
kar-dee'-ah Noun Feminine
Definition
1. the heart
a. that organ in the animal body which is the centre of the circulation of the blood, and hence was regarded as the seat of physical life
b. denotes the centre of all physical and spiritual life
c. the vigour and sense of physical life
d. the centre and seat of spiritual life
1. the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavours
2. of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence
3. of the will and character
4. of the soul so far as it is affected and stirred in a bad way or good, or of the soul as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions
e. of the middle or central or inmost part of anything, even though inanimate
THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
“looketh”: to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully,
“lust after”: to have a desire for, long for, to desire to lust after, covet, of those who seek things forbidden.
“heart”: the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavours
1. of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence
THE "THOUGHT" IS AN ACTION OF THE MIND
THOUGHT, a. thaut. [primarily the passive participle of think, supra.]
1. Properly, that which the mind thinks. Thought is either the act or operation of the mind, when attending to a particular subject or thing or it is the idea consequent on that operation.
We say, a man's thoughts are employed on government, on religion, on trade or arts, or his thoughts are employed on his dress or his means of living. By this we mean that the mind is directed to that particular subject or object; that is, according to the literal import of the verb think, the mind, the intellectual part of man, is set upon such an object, it holds it in view or contemplation, or it extends to it, it stretches to it.
Thought cannot be superadded to matter, so as in any sense to render it true that matter can become cogitative.”
An impure thought TOLERATED, an unholy desire CHERISHED, and the soul is contaminated, its integrity compromised. ‘Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.’ If we would not commit sin, we must shun its very beginnings. Every emotion and desire must be held in subjection to reason and conscience. Every unholy thought must be instantly repelled.” E.G. White, Testimonies Vol. 5, p177.
Hence even at the place of its origin in the mind, SIN is still an ACT or transgression.
WHAT ABOUT JAMES 4:17's DEFINITION OF SIN?
"therefore to him that knoweth to do good,and doeth it not, to him it is sin"
James 1:14,15 tells us that when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin and sin, when it is finished bringeth forth death. This act of transgression is born and fantasised in the mind of the man or woman. He lusts after the woman and then goes through the motions of intercourse with her in his mind without any physical contact between the two parties. Either way, Sin is an act, one where the woman was caught in the very act and the other where the sexual act is invisible outwardly, occurring in the sphere of the mind. Thinking is an action of the mind.
“to do”
-poieo, a verb - “to do” or “to make”
“doeth”
Sin is a verb, a doing word, an action according to James 4:17
“… for by the law is the knowledge of sin” Rom 3:20
“…nay I had not known sin but by the law…” Rom 7:7
“But we know the law is good if a man use it lawfully” 1Tim 1:8
"therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin"
The good thing in this instance is the Law of God
And if you know the Law of God and doeth it not, to you it is sin.
This is none other than the transgression of the law which is sin.
Sin is an act of transgression and not your nature, state or condition.
Sin results in a certain condition of nature described as sinful, fallen, evil etc.
The word for "DO" and "DOETH" in Strong's Concordance is the Greek word "poieo", a verb, a doing word which means "to make" or "to do". But what is this GOOD thing that one knows to do which if one does not do, is sin. The scriptures teach, "But we know that the law is GOOD, if a man use it lawfully" 1Tim 1:8 Therefore, the doing of the law is considered GOOD and if a man doeth it not to him it is sin. Here sin is again portrayed as an ACTION - the not doing of the good thing which is the law is sin.
AND ROMANS 14:23?
"...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin" Romans 14:23
So there you have it, if you don't have faith, you sin.
But hold on a minute because:
“... faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” Rom 10:17
And the “... word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” Ps 119:105
Furthermore:
“... the commandment is a lamp and the law is light…” Prov 6:23
Hence faith involves the word which is none other than the law and the commandment.
Re-phrasing Romans 10:17 and what we have is:
"...faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the commandment and the law"
Hence whatsoever is not of faith, not of the keeping of the commandment or the law, is sin. "=...for whatsoever is not of faith (of the law) is sin."
And again "...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin" Romans 14:23
Because without faith it is impossible to please God. And what does not please God? - SIN. "Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity" Hebrews 1:9 True faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the WORD of God and we know that the WORD of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. (Ps:119:105) And we know that the commandment is a lamp and the law is light (Prov 6:23). Therefore, whatsoever is not of the commandment or of the law is sin. But true faith is a faith which WORKETH by love (Gal 5) and love is the fulfilling of the law (Rom 13:10) Therefore whatsoever is not of the fulfilling of the law is not of faith and whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Sin is here again an action of not fulfilling the law. In fact sin is the very opposite of love, the breaking of the law whereas love is the fulfilling of the law or the keeping of the law. Both are actions which involve choices.
1JOHN 5:17
"All unrighteousness is sin..."
Unrighteousness is the opposite of righteousness.
AND WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Firstly what is unrighteousness? The opposite of righteousness. What is righteousness? "Little children, let not man DECEIVE you: he that DOETH righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous". 1John 3:7. The DOING of righteousness results in being declared RIGHTEOUS. But what is this righteousness that we must do in order to be declared righteous? The scripture says: "My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness" Ps 119:172. Hence let's rephrase 1John 3:7 as follows: "Little children, let no man DECEIVE you: he that DOETH the commandments is righteous, even as he is righteous". Therefore the doing of righteousness is none other than the doing of the commandments of God. Hence unrighteousness is the opposite of righteousness and is the NOT doing of the commandments or the breaking of the commandments of God and so the scripture says, "All unrighteousness is sin..." because sin is an action and involves the transgression of the law.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 1John 3:10
The doing of the commandments is righteousness and the NOT doing of the commandments is unrighteousness which is by definition sin, hence "...all unrighteousness is sin" 1John 5:17
1JOHN 3:4
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
“commiteth” - poieo, to make, to do
“transgresseth” - anomia
“transgression of the law” - anomia
Sin is the breaking of God's commandments. 1John 3:4 is the true and only definition of sin. No amount of Greek spin on this verse will fix the fact that the verse is telling us that sin is an action, the act of transgressing God's law. Those folk of the "sin is nature" disposition often go to the Greek of 1John 3:4 and interpret the verse in such a way to mean that sin is a state, condition or your nature. They even quote other bible versions such as the American Standard Version to make their point - "Every one that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness".1John 3:4 But without even going to the Greek one can see that the verse itself is telling us that sin is an action. It mentions DOETH twice in the verse. It says that everyone that does this thing called sin is also doing lawlessness.
It is interesting when one goes to the Greek of 1John 3:4. The Greek word for the phrase "transgression of the law" in Strong's Concordance has the number G458 next to it and is the word "Anomia"
There are two meanings to the word "Anomia" in Strong's Concordance and each meaning clearly portrays an act of transgression, bold emphasis ours:
ANOMIA - "transgresseth", "transgression of the law"
Strongs G458:
1. the condition of without law
A. because ignorant of it.
B. because of violating it.
11. contempt and violation of the law, iniquity, wickedness.
It is obvious that both meanings (1 & 11) for the word "Anomia" is as a result of the act of transgressing the law. "Anomia" is contempt for the law and the act of violating God's law as outlined in the second meaning. It has nothing to do with sin as one's nature.
Your condition [as a sinner] is a result of being without law because you are violating the law either ignorantly (A) or wilfully (B) In other words you are a sinner because you sin and not you sin because you are a sinner!
Lucifer (nature) was not sin and a sinner when he was created.
Lucifer became a sinner when he transgressed against God.
Adam (nature) was not sin and a sinner when he was created.
Adam became a sinner when he transgressed against God.
Lucifer & Adam's natures were tainted by their sin & now described as sinful.
Sinful nature has a great weakness with its tendency / inclination to sin.
"No matter how great the pressure brought on a person, sinning is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to force anyone to do evil. No matter how severe or unexpected the temptation, God has provided help for us, and in His strength we may conquer." { BOE 206.6 }
MISAPPLIED VERSES USED TO DEFINE SIN AS NATURE
MATTHEW 7:17
"Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit" Matt 7:17
What is the corrupt tree in the verse? Firstly, notice the tree and the fruit are completely different things. It is obvious that the tree bears no resemblance to the fruit and the fruit does not look like the tree. The tree in Jesus' illustration is our fallen human nature which is carnal, corrupt, evil. The fruit of that carnal nature is sin which we have seen is the act of transgression of the law. The corrupt tree, our carnal nature will bring forth the evil fruit of sin.
Human nature (the tree) and sin (the fruit of the tree) are totally different things and not one and the same. Hence sin is not nature and nature is not sin.
The carnal nature left to its own devices, disconnected from God is not subject to the law of God and will always transgress it. The verse has nothing to do with the definition of sin as some would have it. Human nature is not sin.
The human nature God created was tainted by Adam's sin (transgression of the law) - "Thy first father hath sinned and thy teachers have transgressed against me" Isaiah 43:27. That human nature tainted by Adam's sin is what we inherit from him. Baby Jesus like you and I inherited the same human nature and he obtained the victory in that human nature, showing that fallen human nature connected with the divine nature need not sin so there is no excuse for sin. Sin is our own act.
We have tainted the fallen nature we inherited from Adam by our own sin, but not so with Jesus. He kept his inherited fallen human nature free from sin, so that "We should have no misgivings in regard to the perfect sinlessness of the human nature of Christ." {1SM 256.2}
PSALM 51:5
"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me" Psalm 51:5
This verse has nothing to do with the definition of sin. To be shapen is to be made. Contrast our being shapen and when Adam was first shapen. When Adam was shapen by the Lord, he was made with a nature that was upright, perfect and righteous. His nature consisted not only of a physical form but he was also made with an intangible aspect to himself - the intellectual and moral powers of the mind.
But Adam fell when he sinned. His nature was tainted by his sin and is now sinful / fallen. When we were shapen, we were made with Adam's sinful nature having inherited from him a "misshapen" physical form and intellectual and moral powers of the mind. Hence when the scripture says I was shapen in iniquity, we could not possibly have been made in any other way than with a nature that was sinful and fallen bequeathed to us by Adam through our parents.
Mary, the mother of Jesus like Adam was a sinful, fallen human (Luke 1:47) and she similarly POSSESSED A FALLEN, SINFUL HUMAN NATURE which was passed onto Jesus. Hence the scripture can say "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, (sarx = sinful nature according to Strong's concordance) and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:" Rom 8:3.
The Book of Hebrews tells us that Christ "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death." Heb. 2:9. John 1:14 says that "the Word was made flesh," and Paul describes the nature of that flesh: "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:3, 4. If Christ took upon himself the likeness of man, in order that he might suffer death, it must have been sinful man that he was made like, for it is only sin that causes death. Death could have no power over a sinless man, as Adam was in Eden; and it could not have had any power over Christ if the Lord had not laid on him the iniquity of us all. Moreover, the fact that Christ took upon himself the flesh, not of a sinless being, but of sinful man, that is, that the flesh which he assumed had all the weaknesses and sinful tendencies to which fallen human nature is subject, is shown by the few words upon which this article is based. He was "made of the seed of David according to the flesh." David had all the passions of human nature. He says of himself, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Ps. 51:5. {Paraphrased off The Signs of the Times, October 21, 1889 EJW, SITI 631.4}
Psalm 51:5 is dealing with our makeup, the sort of human nature we are made of, sinful human nature inherited from fallen Adam. The Psalm has nothing to do with the definition of sin which many would like it to have.
ISAIAH 48:8
"Behold, I Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb." Isaiah 48:8
The verse is self explanatory. It does not define what sin is. The verse says "....thou wast called a transgressor from the womb". It does not say, "...thou wast a transgressor from the womb". The verse is dealing with Israel's obstinacy, her iron neck and brass brow (Isaiah 48:4) Chapter 48 reminds us God knows all things. He knew how Israel would in the future deal treacherously with Him and hence Israel was CALLED a transgressor from the womb. This same Isaiah wrote, "For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings." Isaiah 7:16
Contrary to what some folk think, a newborn baby does not know good or evil, leave alone one that is still in the womb, hence Isaiah 48:8 is speaking of Israel's future treachery and figuratively calling her a transgressor from the womb.
Isaiah 48:8 is similar to Psalm 58:3: "The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies." There is an inevitability that the carnal human nature estranged from God will go astray and sin, hence the Lord is teaching us about the strength of our carnal natures. We know that babies do not speak lies as soon as they are born so here the Lord is figuratively emphasising the great weakness of our carnal natures by saying we go astray as soon as we are born, speaking lies because like Isaiah 48:8 He knows what treachery (sin) we will get up to in the future.
None of these verses define sin.
None tell us that a baby is sin
None tell us that the carnal human nature is sin.
If anything they emphasise the great weakness of our human nature and the fact that sin is an act.
Note what it says in Isaiah 48:8, "that thou wouldst deal treacherously" and "thou wast called a transgressor". To deal treacherously is to act treacherously and a transgressor is someone who does an act of transgression which in the context of this discussion is to transgress God's law. Sin is an ACT and not human NATURE.
Sin is not a person, sin comes from a person.
THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY
SIN IS YOUR OWN ACT
“It is not in the power of Satan to force anyone to sin. Sin is the sinner's individual act. Before sin exists in the heart, THE CONSENT OF THE WILL MUST BE GIVEN, and as soon as it is given, sin is triumphant, and hell rejoices. But there is no excuse for sin, either great or little.” E.G. White, The Signs of the Times, 12-18-93.
The implication is obvious - "Before sin exists in the heart the consent of the will must be given..." Hence prior to the will consenting, there is no sin in the heart. The heart is another word for mind and mind is part of human nature. Therefore, human nature cannot be defined as sin as sin does not exist in one's nature unless consented to by the will.
“The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. No matter how severe the pressure brought to bear upon you, sin is your own act. The seat of the difficulty is the unrenewed heart.” {SpTB16 14.1}
SIN IS AN ACT OF REBELLION
"The mirror of God’s law, held up before the sinner, gives him a correct view of his own character. The greater the reverence felt for that law, the keener will be the sense of condemnation on account of sin. Every willful transgression is an act of rebellion against its Author. Every one who assumes this attitude, is by his practice saying to the people, “The requirements of God are exacting and severe, a yoke of bondage. Let us break this yoke from off our necks, and be at liberty.” { ST January 19, 1882, Art. A, par. 13 }
“Said the angel: “If light come, and that light is set aside or rejected, then comes condemnation and the frown of God; but before the light comes, there is no sin for there is no light for them to reject.” EGW, Testimonies for the Church Volume One, p116.
SIN IS THE ACT OF BREAKING THE LAW OF GOD
“Christ's righteousness will not cover the unrighteousness of any one. "All unrighteousness is sin," and "sin is the transgression of the law," therefore, those who are breaking the law of God and teaching others to break it, will not be covered with the garments of Christ's righteousness. He came not to save men in their sins; but from their sins. .....” {RH, July 24, 1888 par. 12}
A SINNER IS A COMMANDMENT BREAKER
“Christ will come to consume the false prophet, to sweep away the hosts of apostasy, to take vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of God; and it is of the highest importance to each one of us that we know the conditions by which we shall escape the sinner's doom. It is of the greatest moment that we understand the nature of our fall and the consequences of transgression. Man's conscience has become hardened by sin, and his understanding darkened by transgression, and his judgment has become confused as to what is sin. He has become benumbed by the influence of iniquity, and it is essential that his conscience be aroused to understand that sin is the transgression of God's holy law. He who does not obey the commandments of God is a sinner in the sight of God.” {ST, June 20, 1895 par. 5}
TRANSGRESSION IS OUR OWN ACT
"The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel any one to sin. The will must consent, the heart must yield, or passion cannot overbear reason, nor iniquity triumph over righteousness." { Mar 225.5}
"By faith and prayer all may meet the requirements of the gospel. No man can be forced to transgress. His own consent must be first gained; the soul must purpose the sinful act, before passion can dominate over reason, or iniquity triumph over conscience. Temptation, however strong, is never an excuse for sin. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.” Cry unto the Lord, tempted soul. Cast yourself, helpless, unworthy, upon Jesus, and claim His very promise. The Lord will hear. He knows how strong are the inclinations of the natural heart, and He will help in every time of temptation." { MYP 67.1}
NO WICKED ACT WILL THE LAW OF GOD EXCUSE
"As the sacrifice in our behalf was complete, so our restoration from the defilement of sin is to be complete. No act of wickedness will the law of God excuse; no unrighteousness can escape its condemnation. The ethics of the gospel acknowledge no standard but the perfection of the divine character. The life of Christ was a perfect fulfillment of every precept of the law. He said, “I have kept My Father’s commandments.” His life is our example of obedience and service. God alone can renew the heart. “It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” But we are bidden, “Work out your own salvation.” John 15:10; Philippians 2:13, 12. { MH 451.3}
"It seemed a small matter to our first parents to do only one little act which God had forbidden,—to take from the forbidden tree the fruit so attractive to the eye and pleasant to the taste; but by this one act they forfeited their allegiance to God, the great lawgiver, and opened the flood-gates of misery to the world. God alone can measure the evils which may result from one wrong step,—evils which at the critical moment the tempted soul does not consider. The only safeguard for frail, erring man is to obey, without hesitation or argument, the expressed will of God, regardless of all promise of pleasure or profit as the reward of sin. When God speaks, it is enough." { ST January 13, 1881, par. 16}
"None of the apostles or prophets claimed to be without sin. Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God has honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ." { LSMS 121.3 }
"No matter how great the pressure brought on a person, sinning is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to force anyone to do evil. No matter how severe or unexpected the temptation, God has provided help for us, and in His strength we may conquer." { BOE 206.6 }
“Sin is the most fearful thing in the whole universe. So fearful is it that it could be pardoned only by the sacrifice of the Son of the infinite God. If unpardoned, it must be followed by eternal death. There is a time coming when every unrepentant transgressor of God's law will know what it means to be a sinner, standing in God's sight uncovered, without the robe of Christ's righteousness, and with a full sense that there is no power in the law to save the transgressor.” {RH, August 9, 1898 par. 16}
THE SANCTUARY SERVICE & THE "SIN IS NATURE" THEOLOGY
The Old Testament Sanctuary service was a type for the New Testament Sanctuary service.
In the earthly service, the sinner brought the animal sacrifice to the sanctuary.
The sinner pushed down on the animal and confessed his sins on it.
This signified the transfer of sin from the sinner to the sin bearing animal.
The animal was then slain and the blood caught to be used in the service.
In the New Testament Christ is our sacrificial lamb.
Our sins are transferred to Him when we confess our sins on THIS lamb.
His blood was shed for us and makes the sanctuary service efficacious.
If we confess our sins he is faithful & just to forgive us.." because of the cross.
IRRECONCILABLE
1. To believe that SIN is NATURE or your human NATURE is SIN makes a mockery of the fundamentals of salvation as outlined in the sanctuary service because one CANNOT confess one's NATURE (STATE or CONDITION) on a sacrificial lamb leave alone on Christ. Christ already had our sinful human nature - this truth has to be denied by the SIN is NATURE crowd as human nature according to their theology IS SIN and as a consequence of possessing such a nature you are eternally lost, condemned to die, unfit to live, qualified for eternal punishment etc as noted in the testimonies below.
2. The SIN is NATURE theology, therefore, denies that Christ took upon his sinless divine nature our sinful fallen human nature. Christ must possess a HUMAN NATURE totally different from our own. Baby Jesus must have a human nature unlike ours. Papal Rome is very honest about this and subscribes to a Christ who possessed a SINLESS human nature passed onto Him by his mother Mary who according to Catholic theology was by a miracle of God born with the stain of SIN, contrary of course to Luke 1:47. At least they are honest. They created a different type of Jesus. Yet the Christians who are supposed to take the Bible as the yardstick of their faith believe similar to Papal Rome, that:
Jesus possessed a SINLESS human nature.
Jesus took the nature of Adam before the fall - the Prelapsarian nature.
Jesus took the human nature of the SANCTIFIED brethren.
3. The third point is the SIN is NATURE, a STATE or CONDITION narrative is incompatible with the theology of the Sanctuary and the Judgment commencing at the end of the 2300 day prophecy of Daniel 8:14 because an individual cannot transfer his or her human nature to an animal sacrifice which in our case is Jesus the Lamb of God which taketh away the SIN of the world. If one is intellectually honest, then:
Daniel 8:14 holds no significance.
The 2300 day prophecy cannot be understood despite Gabriel's explanation.
There is no Sanctuary service.
The Judgment scene in Daniel 7 is a farce.
There is no need to proclaim the 3 angels messages of Revelation 14
There is no need to proclaim the soon close of probation.
BABIES & THE "SIN IS NATURE" CAMP
Sin is nature camp ignore how sin first entered the universe of God.
They ignore the significance of the fact that NATURE predated SIN
They say babies are born sinners.
They ask why do babies die?
They answer: babies die because they are sinners.
They say babies are not fit to live.
Babies will go to hell if they die at or before birth.
Infants are vipers of vengeance.
Infants are reprobate - “a person abandoned to sin; … lost to virtue and religion.” - reprobate: Noah Webster 1928 Dictionary
Sentiments like the following makes one wonder how the God of the Bible can be appealing to the secular mind. In fact they drive people away from true Christianity when they hear that God will condemn non-believers and even babies to hell. Sadly these folk have not studied the Bible for themselves and the fear mongering by Christian preachers and churches has resulted in many turning away from their saviour, the God of the Bible. Robert Ingersoll, the Great American Agnostic was one such individual.
A CATHOLIC VIEW
Existence is itself a state of sin; to be born is to be qualified for eternal punishment.” Catholic Jesuit, Peter de Rosa, Vicars of Christ, pg. 452
RESTORATION MINISTRY VIEW
"There is often a debate about whether or not babies will be saved but the fact is, even the newborn babies cannot be saved unless their natures are renewed by God's spirit. As they come from the womb they are naturally depraved and unfit to live." “What makes men sinners” David Clayton. Restoration Ministries Website
“The question is, what does Paul mean by saying, “all have sinned?” This phrase may be interpreted in two ways.
(a). It could mean that all sinned, in a similar way to how Adam sinned, that is all men copied or imitated Adam in committing sin as he did, or
(b). it could mean that all sinned, when Adam sinned. In other words, that Adam's sin was passed on to all men,that is to say that one man sinned and by way of his single action, all of us were made sinners.
If we take the second meaning of the phrase however, which is that when Adam sinned, all his descendants sinned in him, or became sinners by his action, then the verse makes perfect sense. In the light of that understanding we can see that all men (including babies) die, because all men (including babies) are sinners irrespective of whether or not they commit sin. We sinned when Adam sinned because we were in him when he sinned. We became sinners not in the sense that we personally committed sins, but sinners in that we became a certain kind of being who were inherently evil, unable to do good, fit only to be destroyed and therefore condemned to death. A careful examination of the verse and indeed of the whole chapter of Romans 5, especially verses 12-19, will reveal that this is what Paul intended to say — “What makes men sinners” David Clayton. Restoration Ministries Website
CONGREGATIONALIST VIEW
"Rev Jonathan Edwards says: "Reprobate infants are vipers of vengeance, which Jehovah will hold over hell in the tongs of his wrath, until they turn and spit venom in his face." {August 22, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 91.8} "The Eternity of Hell's Torments".
AN AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDANT MINISTRY VIEW
"We all sinned when Adam sinned. You want proof? We all keep dying. We're under the reign of death. If you don't believe that show me a child that can live without dying." -Nader Mansour, You tube Video "The Limited Gospel" @ 13.47mins."
"Beware of that natural heart, it will deceive you every time. Let God's word shine the light on it and you find sin right there before you even choose to commit a wrong act". The Nature of Sin - Prove all things. Nader Mansour You tube video at 7.25 mins
DR WATTS VIEW - CONGREGATIONAL
"There is a never-ending hell, And never-dying pains; Where children must with demons dwell, In darkness, fire, and chains. Have faith the same with endless shame, To all the human race; For hell is crammed with infants damned, Without a day of grace." — Dr Watts. {August 22, 1865 Ur Se, ARSH 91.11}"
"Rev Jonathan Edwards says: "Reprobate infants are vipers of vengeance, which Jehovah will hold over hell in the tongs of his wrath, until they turn and spit venom in his face." {August 22, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 91.8}
And John Calvin, of Servetus memory, disposes of juvenile infants as sinners without ceremony. He tells us: "Children bring then condemnation with them from their mother's womb, being liable to punishment, not for the sins of another, but for their own; for, although they have not yet produced the fruits of their iniquity, they have the seeds enclosed in themselves; nay, then whole nature is, as it were, a seed of sin; therefore it can but be odious and abominable to God." {August 22, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 91.9}
WHY DO BABIES DIE?
Because they possess mortal bodies and not because of the error that they are sinners!
One of the arguments for "sin is your nature" is that babies die. Folk reason that sinners die, therefore, babies who die at birth or in the womb must be sinners from the moment they are conceived. And that is the reason why babies die, so they say.
They reason that:
1. "We all sinned when Adam sinned.." Nader Mansour as quoted above.
2. "...even the newborn babies cannot be saved unless their natures are renewed by God's spirit. As they come from the womb they are naturally depraved and unfit to live." "What makes men sinners" David Clayton
3. "it could mean that all sinned, when Adam sinned. In other words, that Adam's sin was passed on to all men, that is to say that one man sinned and by way of his single action, all of us were made sinners." "What makes men sinners" David Clayton
Hence two reasons are given by the "sin is nature" proponents as to why babies die:
1. Babies sinned when Adam sinned, therefore, babies are sinners. And the wages of sin is death. Babies inherited Adam's "original sin"?
2. Their human nature is such that they are unfit to live. The only reason anyone is unfit to live is because of sin, it goes to follow that their nature is sin and therefore, babies are "...unfit to live". - for the wages of sin is death. And the sin they inherited was Adam's sin.
This line of thinking is as "Original sin" as the Pope is Catholic.
Death is contingent upon the error that babies MUST be SINNERS in order for them to die. But the reasoning is faulty and mischievous.
Some where I read that the wages of SIN is death.
I did not read that the wages of a SINFUL NATURE is death.
Somewhere I read that if we confess our sins he is faithful & just to forgive us.
I did not read that if we confess our sinful natures ....
Somewhere I read that Jesus died for our SINS
I did not read that Jesus died for our sinful natures.
Somewhere I read that Jesus came to save us FROM our sins.
I did not read that he came to save us from our sinful natures.
Somewhere I read that he was made flesh (sarx - sinful nature).
I did not read that he was not made flesh.
Somewhere I read he was not just made flesh but the likeness of sinful flesh.
I did not read he was made in the UNLIKENESS our sinful flesh.
Somewhere I read that in that sinful flesh, he did no sin.
I did not read that his sinful flesh was sin itself.
Friends, babies die because they have inherited something from fallen Adam that results in death.
WHAT DO BABIES INHERIT FROM FALLEN ADAM & EVE.
1. A fallen, sinful human nature - physical, intellectual and moral powers.
2. A mortal physical body as part of that nature.
The reason why babies or anyone dies is because we have inherited from fallen Adam a mortal body, one that is subject to death. We do NOT inherit Adam's sin as the reason why we die. When Adam and Eve sinned their bodies became mortal, subject to death. Babies do not die because they are sinners in some strange convoluted way but for the fact they inherited mortal bodies from fallen Adam. Bodies which age from the moment they are born. The baby grows and matures into adulthood and then growth ceases and in the natural scheme of things, the body declines into old age and eventually dies.
It is obvious that babies do not commit sin. The first death is for the reason given above - our mortal bodies. If babies are not sinners then do they need a saviour if they die at birth? Of course they do. They need Christ the saviour just as much as an adult who wilfully transgresses the law. Babies are classed as innocents, not having sinned, who need to be resurrected by Christ from the death suffered as a result of their mortal inheritance from Adam and not because of the erroneous belief that they are somehow sinners or because their nature is sin. Christ will not leave an innocent in the grave. Why that very idea casts a very negative view of the God of the Bible.
Was Christ resurrected? Yes He was. Why was He resurrected? Because He did no sin. He was innocent like all babies while at the same time possessing a sinful fallen human nature. Get the point? His fallen human nature was not sin for which those sentiments above about babies would have condemned him to hell.
Christ possessed a sinful, fallen human nature and a mortal physical body, neither of which condemned Him to hell or labelled him as unfit to live or a sinner. He took upon him our sins, our transgressions. He became our sin bearer and was labelled a transgressor in that sense.
SUMMARY
1. Sin at its first appearance in heaven was (and still is) an ACT of transgression.
2. Lucifer, the first sinner, was created with a pure, holy and perfect NATURE.
3. Lucifer did something called SIN and was cast out of heaven.
4. This action tainted his holy nature, resulting in a sinful, fallen nature.
5. Adam and Eve were created with pure, holy and perfect NATURES.
6. They too DID something called SIN - an action and were cast out of the garden.
7. The act of sinning resulted in sinful, fallen natures for the pair.
8. SIN and NATURE are, therefore, completely separate entities.
9. Nature is the makeup of the individual and SIN is the action of the individual.
10. Sin AFFECTED human nature negatively resulting in evil propensities & habits.
11. Habits are formed due to repeated transgression.
12. Whether one's nature is sinless (Lucifer & Adam) or sinful, both commit SIN.
13. Sin therefore cannot be defined as nature.
14. Neither can human nature be defined as sin.
15. Folk disregard the above defining events after creation & teach Sin is Nature.
16. This is the error & everything downstream is built on this false premise.
17. Hence Jesus' human nature is interfered with & changed to fit the narrative.
18. The definition of sin is said to be more than just 1John 3:4
19. The definition is changed to fit the "sin is nature" motif.
20. With "sin is nature", babies die because they are born as sinners
21. With "sin is nature", babies are born lost & condemned to hellfire.
22. One proponent said, babies who die, will be like the wicked, as though they never existed.
The Bible teaches: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". 1John 1:9
It doesn't say: "If we confess our sinful natures....."
So Mothers (and dads) beware of anyone promoting a gospel that tells you your baby is a sinner from birth or even from the womb, unfit to live and worthy of death and condemned to hell fire should your baby die prematurely or at birth.
May God richly bless you as you study into these things.
Elias
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