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Post by wanderingtrekker on Apr 10, 2006 15:53:43 GMT -5
Ok, so this question probably deserves it's own thread so, here goes.
Why does the good man avoid sin?
It may be necessary to define sin in your response, do whatever you feel necessary, but please make sure that the answer to the above question is apparent.
Thanks, I look forward to the responses!
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Post by Morluna on Apr 10, 2006 17:24:44 GMT -5
I kind of answered this when you posted before, but I'll expound here.
I do not believe in the biblical definition of "sin." To me, an immoral act is anything said or done intentionally to another to cause them harm, whether it be emotional, spiritual, or physical.
Now that we got that out of the way...
Why does the good man avoid sin?
Religious people, like most of the folk on this board, avoid sin out of fear. They are afraid of being punished for going against the "Word of God." This is, in my opinion, an intrinsically simplistic and childish way of viewing life.
For me personally, I do not adhere to the same moral code that Christians do, as I stated before. I do however, HAVE a moral code. Anything that is hurtful to my fellow man is unacceptable behavior. End of story. I do however, reserve the right to defend myself if either I or someone I care about is being personally attacked. Because I care about all human beings, I find myself coming to the defense of the oppressed quite a lot, as I'm sure you can imagine.
Some may ask, "But why do you believe this? If you do not believe in the biblical Word of God, who holds you accountable for your actions? What difference will it make to you if you fail to follow your code? If no one is going to punish you for your failure, why would you strive to succeed?"
I recall a comment that Jesse made a couple of days ago... this was quite possibly the most upsetting bit of rubbish I have heard him spout off since beginning dialogue with him. (I'm sorry friend, my personal opinion. I have nothing against you as a person, and you are my brother human being, but I cannot tolerate certain levels of ignorance. It is your words that I hate, not you. I love you.) Anyway, the comment was just this ---
"How do you know that compassion and love are good things?"
I had to stop myself and make sure that I had read that correctly. Surely he had not just said that... But yes, as I looked down at the screen again, there it remained. I had not read incorrectly. He went on to say that HE knows compassion and love to be good things because the Bible told him so. I responded with this ---
"If you need a book to tell you that love and compassion are good things, then you are beyond my help."
Honestly, are not love, compassion, understanding, and loyalty the hallmarks of humanity? These virtues are ingrained into the human psyche, and are inseperable from the human experience. I wonder, if the Bible said otherwise... if it commanded us to hate our brethren and harm them at every chance we get, would you be so quick to accept the text as truth? I sincerely hope not.
I do what is right because it is right to do so.
I strive to extend the same respect and appreciation for my fellow man that I would expect in return.
Why? Because to do otherwise would contradict my basic understanding of humanity, as well as rationality. Not only does treating my fellows in a respectful and loving manner make me feel infinitely better about myself as a person than I would if I were cold and hateful to everyone, but also, what right would I have to protest if someone did harm to me, knowing full well that I had behaved in the same way towards them?
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." See? The Bible does speak on this. But even if it did not, I would feel just as I do now.
No book is necessary to rationalize humanity.
This IS the ultimate truth.
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Post by Evan on Apr 13, 2006 13:21:57 GMT -5
Would you consider yourself to be a good person? ;D
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Post by wanderingtrekker on Apr 13, 2006 13:40:27 GMT -5
Would you consider yourself to be a good person? ;D I am not sure to whom this question is directed, but before continuing any tangential discussions on this thread, I would respectfully ask that you address the aforementioned question: "Why does the good man avoid sin?" Thanks!
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Post by Evan on Apr 13, 2006 13:43:38 GMT -5
There is none good, save the Father, or at least that is what Jesus said.
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Post by wanderingtrekker on Apr 13, 2006 14:02:17 GMT -5
There is none good, save the Father, or at least that is what Jesus said. So, then no one avoids sin? Why do you avoid sin?
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Post by Miles Lewis on Apr 13, 2006 14:39:14 GMT -5
Simple answer: Because he loves God and wants to obey Him.
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Post by wanderingtrekker on Apr 13, 2006 14:44:10 GMT -5
Simple answer: Because he loves God and wants to obey Him. Miles! Welcome to the thread! Again, I would perfer that you answer the question for yourself as well.
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Post by Miles Lewis on Apr 13, 2006 14:46:29 GMT -5
Ok. Because I love God I want to obey him.
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Post by rsmportland on Apr 13, 2006 15:47:54 GMT -5
Why does the good man avoid sin? I'm not good, I don't qualify for the question as it's presently stated. Please rephrase.
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Post by evanschaible on Apr 13, 2006 16:49:10 GMT -5
Thank you brother, I was rushed away and did not have a chance to continue.
The only way for one to be made Good is to obey the Gospel and repent. But most people proclaim there own goodness, from my experience on the street, I can attest to that truth.
You see, many people think they are good, but totally and utterly misunderstand the true nature of goodness. Goodness in biblical terms is perfect obedience to God. In God's eyes lust is adultery. Hatred is murder. Jesus said if you so much as call someone a fool your in danger of hell fire. By this standard not a man or woman alive can say they are good.
But the standard God demands is perfect obedience, "blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Trekker, are you pure? "Who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord, he that hath cleans hands and a pure heart..." If your hands arent clean and your heart is not pure, then it is off to hell for eternity.
The only way to be made pure and holy is through the atoning blood of Christ. You need to repent and trust in Jesus. It doesnt matter if you dont believe it. If you jump in front of a car does it matter if you believe in it? No, you will get hit regardless of what you believe. You need to realize that the vehicle of eternal justice is heading for you, you are on the path of sin, and unless you repent you will perish.
Repent and trust he saviour, turn from all your sin, put your faith in Jesus, Live in obediance to Jesus, and it is off to heaven for you.
Jesus died for you, but yet you turn your back on him and say it is all just a fraud. What will Jesus say to you on the day of judgment? "depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you" REPENT!
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