Without Law There is No Sin?

Q: In Romans 5:12-14 the apostle Paul states, "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

What does he mean when he writes, 'for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law'?  Is the apostle implying that people who have not heard the word of God are not considered sinners because they have never heard the Decalogue or Christ's commandments?

Is Doubt a Sin?

A member of my bible class last night night posed a question that sparked a short discussion.  I don't feel that I answered adequately. As a result, I've decided to use this medium to address questions that arise in class that can't be given a full treatment because of time constraints. My new category shall be called Bible Study Q&A.

I was asked if having doubts is a sin. The person wondered specifically if having doubts about salvation is a sin.  The context comes from our discussion on the definition of sin.  I had someone read from Romans 14:23 which states, "But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."  The person who asked the question zeroed in on the first part of the verse that explains that a person who doubts whether or not a certain action is right or wrong (In this case, whether eating certain foods is permissible). 

The Fall of Man

The Theology of Redemption

Study One - Man's Need of Redemption

The Fall of Man

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This lesson introduces the first study of the series, Man's Need of Redemption.  It will consist of two lessons.  First, man's creation as a perfect image bearer of God's glory and subsequent fall into sin and corruption will be discussed.  The next lesson will focus on the extent and depth of that corruption and how it has effected our being.

Our study of Redemption begins at the creation account on the very first pages of the very first book in the bible.  As I've stated previously, redemption is the story of God as he relates to man, who corrupted himself at his initial trial of faith and obedience.  It begins in Genesis and weaves its way throughout both the Old and New Testaments.  So, the reason I'm starting here is because this is where God starts. In the creation account we learn of man's original blessed state and the events that led to his fall from the state of innocence into a state of corruption.

It is vital to note that in the beginning God created everything good.  All things were made for his glory. 'And God saw everything that he had made and behold, it was very good'.  (Gen 1:31A)  This clearly demonstrates that man in his created state was 'very good'.  He was not flawed in character or sinful in nature.

The Theology of Redemption: Intro - The Necessity of Theology

Welcome to the first study on the theology of Redemption. Today's lesson will focus on the discipline of theology and why we as Christians need to embrace it.

Disgracefully, the study of doctrine and theology has declined in God's visible church over the last few decades at an alarming rate.  An ever-increasing number of churches have adopted a seeker-centric approach to ministry in lieu of sound biblical teaching.  According to so-called church growth experts, the unchurched masses are generally open to believing in God and accepting Christ.  It is the church as an institution that drives them away from commitment.  This type of person is called a 'seeker'. In order to get these people to come to church and make that saving commitment church leaders must lure them in by appealing to their flesh.  Learning theology and doctrine doesn't interest them so it is laid aside as a primary ministry of the church.  In other words, entertainment in all of its forms: music, dramatic performances, movie clips,  light shows, media montages, etc.  can be utilized to make the church a more comfortable, less intimidating place for seekers to find refuge. Psychological manipulation replaces the preaching of the word as a means to salvation.  Sermons are often centered around felt-needs messages that 'meet people where they are at'.   Ministers may preach on topics such as strengthening marriages, gaining financial freedom, finding a stress-free lifestyle, even having a better sex life.  This is all done to 'ease' the seeker into the fold before presenting him the gospel. It is a sandy foundation which collapses upon close scrutiny.

The Theology of Redemption: Syllabus

Below, I have posted the curriculum for my study on the doctrine of Redemption through Jesus Christ.  My first study will appear tomorrow morning, followed by weekly updates.  Note:  I may break up a single study into multiple posts, depending on the length. I pray that this study will bless, inform and edify my readers as well as bring glory to God.

The Theology of Redemption

Study One: Introduction – The Necessity of Theology.

Part One: Man’s Need of Redemption

Study Two: Creation and the Fall

Study Three: The Effects of the Fall

Part Two: God’s Plan of Redemption

Study Four: Election and Predestination

Study Five: Jesus Christ the Redeemer

Part Three: Christ’s Accomplishment of Redemption

Study Six: The Nature and Triumph of the Atonement

Study Seven: The Extent of the Atonement

Part Four: God’s Application of Redemption

Study Eight: The Ordo Salutis (Order of Salvation)

Study Nine: Union with Christ

Study Ten: Calling

Study Eleven: Regeneration

Study Twelve: Conversion (Repentance and Faith)

Study Thirteen: Justification

Study Fourteen: Adoption

Study Fifteen: Sanctification

Study Sixteen: Perseverance

Study Seventeen: Death and Glorification

Note:  I reserve the right to add, delete, rearrange or otherwise alter studies listed in this curriculum as I see fit.