Does Man Have A Sinful Nature?

Jarrod Jacobs

            This subject has probably confused and deceived more people than any other. Many of today’s “religious” people believe and teach a doctrine that says that man is born in sin. These people believe and teach a doctrine once taught by Augustine in the 400-500’s A.D., but made famous by John Calvin in the 1500’s.

            Evidently, this false doctrine was taught even before Augustine or Calvin. We know this because God saw it necessary to tell the Israelites that man could not inherit sin. “The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin” (Deut. 24:16). Even before this, God had told Cain that “sin lies at the door” for him (Gen. 4:7). If it was true that he had inherited a sinful nature from Adam, Cain should have been told that his sin was already within him! Further, God said, “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer because of the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father suffer because of the iniquity of the son …” (Ezek. 18:4, 20).

            Looking to the New Testament, we learn that God has not changed His mind about sin. It is the responsibility of the individual. Paul wrote, “He that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons” (Col. 3:25). James said, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (Jas. 1:14-15). No, there is no such thing as inheriting sin from a parent, or from Adam.

Changing Names Doesn’t Change Sin

Jarrod Jacobs

            Calling a poor person “economically challenged” instead of poor does not change his financial standing, does it? Referring to someone as “vertically challenged” instead of “short” has not added “a cubit to his stature” (Matt. 7:27; Lk. 12:25) has it? We live in a time in which many people prefer such descriptions instead of speaking plainly and clearly.

            Spiritually, if you call one a “good ol’ boy just wanting to have a good time” instead of a sinner, has that changed his spiritual standing in the sight of God? By no means! One who is a sinner is separated from God, and stands to lose his soul if he dies in that condition (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 6:23). There is nothing “good” or enjoyable about that at all, regardless of the sin in which one is engaged (drunkenness, homosexuality, drugs, unscriptural marriages, lying, etc.)!

            The Caneyville church of Christ allows the Bible to speak candidly, and clearly about one’s spiritual condition (I Pet. 4:11). Who could ask for anything better than that? Just speak as the Bible speaks! Paul taught the necessity of using “great plainness of speech” (II Cor. 3:12). This was because of the hope promised to those in Christ, as well as the torment promised to those outside of Christ (I Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8). God wants none to perish (II Pet. 3:9). Therefore, all men need to know, not that they’re “good ol’ boys” and given a wink and a smile, but that their eternal soul rests on the decisions made today.

            Make the right decision and become a Christian today before it is too late (Mk. 16:16; II Cor. 6:2).

Is One Born Guilty Of Sin?

Jarrod Jacobs

   The teaching that man is born a sinner is fairly common in the religious world. Is this true? What does the Bible say?

   In the 18th chapter of Ezekiel, God devotes the entire chapter to disproving the teaching that man is born a sinner. He tells His people, “Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die” (Ezek. 18:4, 20). I think that it is interesting to note that if these people had listened to God in Deuteronomy 24:16, perhaps God would not have had to devote an entire chapter to inherited sin. Deuteronomy 24:16 says, “Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin.” Please read Exodus 32:30-33 also.  

   In the New Testament, we also see that man does not inherit the sins of his father. In Colossians 3:25, we read, “But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done: and there is no respect of persons.” To say that infants possess inherited sin is to say something the Bible does not say.

   In Romans 9:10-11, Paul discusses Jacob and Esau. Paul says, “though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad -- in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls.” This verse is very clear in showing us that man does not inherit sin or righteousness from his father. We are responsible for our own sins and no one else’s!

Can One Fall From God’s Grace?

Jarrod Jacobs

            In many of our articles, we have talked about what one must do to be saved. Inevitably, someone will ask, “Can a Christian sin and fall from God’s grace?” This is a good question. What is the answer?

            Some say that one can never fall from grace once they are saved. Wayne Camp, Samuel Morris, and other famous preachers have said this. However, our focus is to be, “What does the Scripture say?” (Rom. 4:3).

            Paul, speaking to the Roman brethren (saved people), said that if they were to live after the flesh they would die (Rom. 8:12-13). In other words, they could pass from life to death as a result of their sin. Paul warned that some Galatian Christians had “fallen from grace” when they tried to keep the law of Moses (Gal. 5:1-4). The Hebrew writer said, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12). James, when he wrote to the Christians, said that it is possible for one to “fall under condemnation” (Jas. 5:12). The Bible warns us in other places that a child of God can sin and be lost. Friends, why are these warnings given to Christians if it is not possible for a Christian to sin and be lost?

            A believer in Christ can become an unbeliever. People that are converted can be lost (I Tim. 4:1, 5:8) It is possible for a child of God to fall from grace. Therefore, let us heed God’s warnings and live faithfully for God while we live upon this earth (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10).

Learning Lessons From Naaman The Leper (#7)

Jarrod Jacobs

            For the past few days, we have studied II Kings 5:1-14 in connection with the healing of the leper, Naaman. What applications can we make from this account?

            From the young maid (II Kings 5:2-3), let us learn that God’s word is understandable, and can be obeyed by the young as well as the old. God’s word is just as understandable today as it was in the days of Naaman (Eph. 3:4, 5:17).

            Let us learn that only God can save us, and His salvation is not for sale (II Kings 5:5, 15-16; I Pet. 1:18-19). Just as Naaman was cleansed on God’s terms (II Kings 5:10, 14), we will be saved on God’s terms, or not at all (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38).

            We need to realize that we are known by what we do (II Kings 5:8). Our words only go so far. If we are a Christian, or are wicked, our actions will show it (Matt. 7:12, 21; I Jn. 3:18).

            Instead of fighting against the Lord (II Kings 5:11-12), let us willingly obey God. Naaman was the first on record to suggest that cleansing power was in the water. It was not true then, nor is it true today when someone cries “water salvation” when we teach baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 22:16; I Pet. 3:21).

            Finally, let us learn that we will be blessed by God only when we submit completely to the will of the Lord, just as Naaman did (II Kings 5:14; Rev. 22:14)! Are we obedient to the Lord? (Jas. 2:24, 26)