Moral Absolutes in the Life of a Christian

Is it ever right to sin? Is it ever right to break the laws of man? Do our motives matter? Do ends justify the means?

Check out the interesting discussion going on at Open Switch.

8 thoughts on “Moral Absolutes in the Life of a Christian”

  1. Most professing Christians will say that is not right to sin, despite the fact that they do anyway. The theological gymnastics that they perform in order to get around the plain Biblical position on the subject will now bear its fruit.

  2. Everyone sins. The apostle Paul, who wrote repeatedly of the importance to avoid sin, could honestly call himself the chief of sinners and one who was not worthy to be called an apostle.

    Simply because we are not supposed to sin doesn’t mean we don’t do it. We all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.

    There are no gymnastics needed, just a humble enough heart to realize that we are nowhere near as holy as God is. :)

  3. No, everyone doesn’t sin. Those who are born of God do not commit sin (1 John 3:9). If you are not born of God, what right do you have to accuse others of not being born of God? The fact that Paul called himself the chief of sinners doesn’t mean he kept on sinning the rest of his life. That is something people assume in attempt to justify their own continued sinning. And just because we have sin doesn’t mean we have a blank check when it comes to deciding to yield to that sin principle within us when obedience is too costly. Finally, a truly humble heart recognizes that we are to be as Holy as God is. As it is written, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” 1 Pet. 1:16.

  4. If they were already holy, why did they need to be told to be holy? Believers sin. That is biblical fact. Those who are born of God should not habitually sin–indeed, they can’t for the Father would chastize, but why do you think we have things like the chastizement of God’s children, church discipline, etc., if no believer ever sinned?

    My spirit is born again. It cannot sin. But my flesh is still flesh. There’s a reason we are to daily mortify our bodies through the study of God’s word, prayer, etc.

    Only when mortality puts on immortality will my flesh be born again. Only then will I be completely free from sin.

    Go read the ESV translation of 1 John 3; you’re putting too much stock in the KJV’s rendition of it, I think. :)

  5. TB: I recommed you read the ESV translation of 1 John 3, then return to use with your critique of the translation and why it’s wrong. I look forward to your thoughts.

  6. Glen: I have read the ESV, along with several other translations of 1 John 3, and I don’t have a problem with any of them. Granted, the ESV uses the word “practice” in regard to sin where the KJV uses the word “commit.” The Greek word used is “poyeho.” According to Strong’s, the definition is to make or do (in a wide application, more or less direct). The use of the word “practice” carries with it the idea that it is ok to do certain sins on occasion, as long as you don’t do them too often. Whereas, the word “commit” implies a direct intention. Thus the word “commit” is more consistent with the Greek word “poyeho” since its application is based on a direct action.

    The bottom line is, there was no sacrifice available in OT times for intentional sin (this includes “accidental” sin because in truth, there is no such thing as an accident. Believing in accidents is to not believe in God [see prov. 26:2]), but only for sins committed in ignorance. And, Jesus’ sacrifice does not cover intentional (and “accidental”) sin either. Those who think it does are only fooling themselves. Their “Jesus,” Bible translations, and exegesis will not save them. They will only hear the words, “depart from me, for I never knew you.”

  7. Is it ever right to sin?
    No! Sin is always wrong, it’s just our excuse to sin.

    Is it ever right to break the laws of man?
    If the rules of man are setted by our leaders, shouldn’t we followed? Isn’t that what we are thought?

    Do our motives matter?
    Yes of course, even if nobody knows, God know… Should you think twice about your motives for doing anything?

    Do ends justify the means?
    No, would you use money from earnings made from selling drugs, etc?

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