I think its fair to say sinning is a choice, or perhaps the practising of sin is. Even so, we still do things as Christians that we do not want to due to our sin nature.
Tim - that sums it up pretty nicely:
"Practicing what we know to be sin is a choice." So, I guess we can categorize sin under two headings; “Impulse Sin” and “Planned Sin”? To a large extent, dealing with "impulse" sins: anger, lust, coveting, etc., seem almost unmanageable. Whereas “planned” sins (those sins we actually “practice” and get good at
) such as idolatry, sexual impurity and drunkenness should be easier to deal with since we have time to plan
not to do them?
Is an “Impulse Sin” less deadly than a “Planned Sin”?
Now your making my brain hurt....lol Going back to your first post, I think you were trying to understand whether or not homosexuality is a sin of choice...if I read it right? The point I was trying to make is that sin is sin not matter what in Gods eyes. Whether its a "oops I slipped" sin, or a "OK, I'm gonna wait till dusk, hide in the alleys and sin like theres no tomorrow sin"
Let me put it another way. Even for the man who lives a relatively good life, pays his taxes, treats others kind, brings momma flowers, and upholds good morals in his community. He is not even a glint of goodness in the eyes of a Sovereign, Righteous, Just, Holy, Perfect God. Think about the depth of that for a moment. This is why we were seperated from him in the garden.
I know you already know all that, but just keep it in mind as I come back to my point.
If a homosexual decides to not engage in that particular sinful activity anymore, he is still a sinner bound for hell without being born again. I think it matters not what the sin, as much as it matter that have sinned (no matter what that sin is), is the point I was trying to make.
The last time I posted on the topic of homosexuality I spent days trying to define the point I was trying to make and defend my position. My original comment was "love the sinner, hate the sin". And it was said that I was teaching a principle that is not in the Bible. I still disagree. If this was not a Biblical principle, then Christ could not have offered himself for us. He loved us while we were yet sinners. He had compassion for people who's lives were horrid, yet all the while he never condoned not one sin. We can take a stand on sin and still love those who need Christ. Without Love, homosexuals will never know Christ, just as we never would have, had he not loved us also.
Am I angry about their agenda and marches in washington? You bet! Am I upset about the moral decay its bringing on our nation? Absolutely! But If I can't also show them the Love of Christ, there is no hope in any of them ever coming to know the Lord and allowing Him to make the changes they need in their lives.
I hope I haven't completely missed the point of your post and rambled on blindly JN. I believe you are all too aware of these things I have said. I probably havent answered your question directly, but I think you see what I mean. For me, I don't try to catagorize sin. In Gods eyes its
all more dirty as the dirtiest sin we could imagine.
So, I guess we can categorize sin under two headings; “Impulse Sin” and “Planned Sin”?
In mans eyes yes, in Gods eyes a sin is a sin is a sin.
To a large extent, dealing with "impulse" sins: anger, lust, coveting, etc., seem almost unmanageable. Whereas “planned” sins (those sins we actually “practice” and get good at ) such as idolatry, sexual impurity and drunkenness should be easier to deal with since we have time to plan not to do them?
I guess because I attempt to view it from Gods perspective, I don't view it this way. Our sin nature is inherrant and we will all, to varying degrees struggle with it till we die. Your tempatations may be different than mine. What matters more is , are we crucifying self and allowing God to handle that sin (edit to add; *and give us repentance*).
Is an “Impulse Sin” less deadly than a “Planned Sin”?
Is one death more deadly than another? After all, sin does lead to death. Maybe someone can address the verse that speaks about the sin unto death in 1 John 5:16? Not sure I understand that one myself. But it is clear that the wages of SIN is death.
Great topic.
PS: Tim - what happened to your little "rapturing smiley guy"? He was cool.
Actually, I was wondering the same thing....lol Apparently while I was away the site that I had linked the image to removed it
REBA said: Hmm he became a full preterest?
Hey Reba....I missed your humor. Did you really think I would convert to preterism? :shudders:: LOL Since the smiley guy is missing, maybe he's the only one who got raptured in a pre-trib scenario!!!
(just funnin ya)
Good to be back amongst you guys.
Grace and Peace!
