On Sin

Interesting to note the subtle yet significant definitions of sin in various traditions. Indeed there is no disagreement that sin is "missing the mark". There may be a little debate on what "the mark" is.

My tradition is that the goal is not actually dwelling in heaven with God. The goal is holiness. Indeed God says "Be holy, for I am Holy". The result of holiness, or its benefit, is that we are then welcomed into the presence of a Holy God. (heb 12:14)

Hence the dilemma. We must be holy, or sinless, to enter the presence of God. Yet we are sinners!

Thanks for stopping by.

That is the basis for purgatory.

And the Bible is clear that all sin. I make this point because the problem with dualism, that is Bush's you are with us or against us, is that it does not do justice to one's own sin.

Paul said it best in Romans 3:9 when addressing the question of whether those who have God's Word are better than others. Paul answered with a emphatic no. Then when you read what Paul cites from the Psalms becomes a devastating indictment on all of us.

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We all sin, but I respectfully disagree with caday. I don't feel indicted, because there are some truly awful people in the world, and on a practical level they need dealing with.

Whether terrorist, or criminal. So whilst remaining humble before God, I shall continue to be an American exceptionalist.

We are not punished for our sins, we are punished BY our sins. Also God does not grade on a "curve", we will not make the cut because the man in front of us sinned more or worse.

I am guilty of plenty and as a result I employed every method of vindicating myself, including comparing myself to others. All that does is lower the class of my associations as I are constantly looking for a heap low enough to allow me to be on top.

Wow, I can ramble.

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Ken- it is refreshing to see someone who takes his faith seriously. I have met very few Catholics who actually are in any way clear on Catholic doctrine.

Although I am not a Catholic and disagree with much of the church's doctrine, I respect those who actually follow their faith. Isn't that what faith should be? When James writes "I will show you my faith by my works." He is making the point that true faith impacts the daily life of the believer.

When people ask me why I preach and teach, my answer is that I have no choice. I am compelled by grace. There is no option but to follow Him who saved me, and to be obedient to His call.

Grace to you-

Doc Bart

The posts on your blog are proof that you actually examine the foundations of your faith. At the risk of starting a "mutual adoration society", I must acknowledge how refreshing it is read reasoned apologetics.

No problemo, it's a good and thought provoking blog. I try not to compare myself to others, as it makes me insecure and arrogant in equal measure.

As for respecting the Catholic faith, I am one of those Christians who would stand up for Christianity even if I wasn't a Christian.

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I believe that Groucho Marx once said:

"Please accept my resignation. I don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member."

If I go into a restaurant, I want the food to be better than what I could cook at home.

If I attend a dance class, I want the dance teacher to expect standards that are beyond what I am capable of ... at present.

I want Christian faith to challenge me, to illustrate that I fall short, and obviously to turn me towards Christ in humility.

But whilst I am humble towards God, I am quite happy to be robust and lively in ordinary life, because ... well, it is what it is.

Your sense of humor and good nature are a real pleasure. Thanks for the visit.

Actually, the Bible says both. When the Bible talks about the anger of God coming down on us because of sin, that is punishment. When the Bible talks about the 2nd death, that is punishment.

This would be a great post for all Christians to read. As a Protestant (well, at least as a Christian who belongs to and attends a Baptist church) I know very little about the belief in purgatory. If you ever feel like "ramblin" on this subject I'd be interested to read it.

Shalom.