Moral Depravity Is Sinning

Ken

Sin is a choice of the heart, so we must first sin before we are sinful. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1John 3:4 KJV). The NIV characterizes sin as the choice of “lawlessness,” for “everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (3:4 NIV). But, make no mistake, sin is a choice of lawlessness, even before it becomes an action or inaction. Unlike a physical condition, which is passed on to successive generations, sin is a spiritual condition. Our relationship to the sin of Adam is more by choosing to follow an example or choosing to be governed by the physical circumstances of our dying flesh, which most definitely then can be transmitted from generation to generation. “13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [Greek, epithumia, strong desires], and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived [notice, “lust” or strong desires are not sin, but give way to become sin], it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:13-15). We no more go to Heaven because our parents are Christians than we go to Hell because our parents are sinners. Good parenting should inspire the choices of our children, just as bad parenting inclines our children to evil choices. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Father, cause us to follow Your example. May You govern our circumstances that we would follow You. With all of our heart, may there be only one result, but to stand in Your presence forever. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.