The other day I used an inappropriate word during a conversation and felt bad about it because it was unnecessary given the circumstances I was in. I could have expressed myself in a finer manner without resorting to using inappropriate language.
I made a point never to do it again.
You are forgiven
Thank you Lord. Please continue to guide me and work with my new heart.
You just need to keep connected to me
Ever since that day I have been given a lot of thought to our sinful nature. Does this mean then we all born sinners and if so this inheritance sits very uncomfortably with me? I mean what about new born babies do they inherit sins?
It is good that you continue to seek and he who seeks finds (Matthew 7:7-8)
Let us take this slowly.
How many times have you driven beyond the speed limit especially when you think you can get away with it? See, humans have this propensity to speed. It's in your nature.
True
....and if a police issued you a ticket for driving beyond the speed limit would your children be responsible for the fine?
No they won't, I will be. They are not responsible and therefore not guilty.
....and if you lost your drivers license for 3 months as a result of speeding would your children suffer the consequences of not having a car?
Yes - I will not be able to take them to school or ferry them to their weekend activities. We will have to find other means.
To answer your last question first - new born babies do not inherit their parents' guilt or sins (Ezekiel 18:14-2) as they are not responsible. They are not born with the guilt of their forefathers but they do suffer the consequences of their forefather's sins.
This consequence is the sinful nature ( propensity to do wrong) inherited by all humans. Just like the tendency to speed while driving.
However, this nature in itself is not a sin. It's only a sin when they make the wrong choice and transgress the law (1 John 3:4). Sadly this starts from a young age. Have you not seen a young child, with lipstick markings on her face saying "nothing!" when her mum asked "what have you done with my expensive lipstick"?
I can see where you are heading. Having the propensity to sin in itself is not a sin. It is only when you choose to exercise that sinful nature that makes you a sinner.
Be clear that you are never born a sinner. You just inherit a sinful nature. Despite this you do have a choice. Driving in a car with the ability go beyond the speed limit does not get you a ticket. You get a ticket only when you choose to drive beyond the speed limit.
I get it..... thank you
Good ... now go and sin no more.
I made a point never to do it again.
You are forgiven
Thank you Lord. Please continue to guide me and work with my new heart.
You just need to keep connected to me
Ever since that day I have been given a lot of thought to our sinful nature. Does this mean then we all born sinners and if so this inheritance sits very uncomfortably with me? I mean what about new born babies do they inherit sins?
It is good that you continue to seek and he who seeks finds (Matthew 7:7-8)
Let us take this slowly.
How many times have you driven beyond the speed limit especially when you think you can get away with it? See, humans have this propensity to speed. It's in your nature.
True
....and if a police issued you a ticket for driving beyond the speed limit would your children be responsible for the fine?
No they won't, I will be. They are not responsible and therefore not guilty.
....and if you lost your drivers license for 3 months as a result of speeding would your children suffer the consequences of not having a car?
Yes - I will not be able to take them to school or ferry them to their weekend activities. We will have to find other means.
To answer your last question first - new born babies do not inherit their parents' guilt or sins (Ezekiel 18:14-2) as they are not responsible. They are not born with the guilt of their forefathers but they do suffer the consequences of their forefather's sins.
This consequence is the sinful nature ( propensity to do wrong) inherited by all humans. Just like the tendency to speed while driving.
However, this nature in itself is not a sin. It's only a sin when they make the wrong choice and transgress the law (1 John 3:4). Sadly this starts from a young age. Have you not seen a young child, with lipstick markings on her face saying "nothing!" when her mum asked "what have you done with my expensive lipstick"?
I can see where you are heading. Having the propensity to sin in itself is not a sin. It is only when you choose to exercise that sinful nature that makes you a sinner.
Be clear that you are never born a sinner. You just inherit a sinful nature. Despite this you do have a choice. Driving in a car with the ability go beyond the speed limit does not get you a ticket. You get a ticket only when you choose to drive beyond the speed limit.
I get it..... thank you
Good ... now go and sin no more.