Courtney over at Faithful Bloggers is hosting a new group writing project on the Romans Road. I have chosen to look at Romans 3:23. Please check out the other great posts on this important subject.
Romans 3: 23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
I remember having an in-class discussion back in high school about whether people are inherently good or evil. The discussion occurred while we were reading the book Lord of the Flies, in which a group of schoolboys are stranded on a island. As they attempt to govern themselves the situation quickly devolves into anarchy and chaos.
I was so surprised to find that I was the only person in the class who believed in any sort of sin nature. Everyone else believed we come into this world perfectly good and are corrupted by our environment.
Clearly, God's Word says differently. All have sinned. Everyone of us. And we sin because it is our nature to do so, not because we have been taught to.
Children are a great illustration of this.
Did you have to teach your children to be disobedient?
Did you show your toddler how to have a temper tantrum?
Did you sit little Johnny down and tell him it's time he learn how to lie?
Of course not. All of these behaviors have to be disciplined out of children, not taught to them. This is because of the fall. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden every child has come into this world with a sin-stained heart - all but one that is.
Jesus, who dwelt as God and with God from all eternity, was born of a virgin and lived a perfectly sinless life. He died on a cross as a substitute for us so that all who repent and believe in Him may have eternal life. Jesus, the sinless Savior, was punished for our sins so that we can find forgiveness at the cross.
How true your example is. Children aren't taught bad behaviors. They are naturally drawn to what they want and when they want it. Yes, all have sinned. I like what you wrote about this verse. Thanks for stopping by Heart Choices too. I love how each of us can take the same verse and add our own examples and illustrations.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Debbie
How so true! When we came into this world we were sinners. The Word of God talks about the rod of correction. We as parents have the responsibility to train up our children in the way they should go. Very good post!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I love how you've explained the sin that is ingrained in our DNA... it is so very true! Our kids don't learn how to be bad, they do it naturally. We have to train them to be 'good'!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've told you.. I really love your blog!!!
A wonderful post! It's sad that many people believe we are inherently good and there are many pathways to Heaven. But we know that Jesus is the only way and without Him, we are lost.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joan
I really enjoyed reading your post for Faithful Bloggers and thank you for your comment on mine!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Observing my children, it is OBVIOUS that we are all born with a sin nature. I pray for their salvation and growth in grace regularly, as I know they are in need of a Savior just as I am.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thank you for the follow from FFF! I am now following you. May you have a safe and healthy rest of your pregnancy and God bless!
ReplyDeleteThis is so very true. This is a great post. You are very right. It's just another example of people wanting to hold on to the falsehood that they are "basically good." But we as believers know the truth. We are all sinners and desperately need Christ for our salvation. Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteIt can be quite difficult explaining to non Christians that lovely sweet cuddly babies are born into sin. Praise God that we can be washed thoroughly from our iniquities and cleansed from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Just popped over from the Roman Road project at faithful bloggers, where I selected Romans 8:38-39
http://www.thefaithlounge.com/2010/08/red-words-lead-to-love.html.
May God bless you more,