The Doctrine Of Sin Is Not A Modern Day Phenomenon

In the beginning of this essay, my intent was to compare and contrast the biblical worldview in Romans chapters 1-8. It appears that there are more comparisons then contrasts. In society today, as well as in Paul’s writings, man is in desperate need of God. Unless a relationship is developed with God, we as his creation, will not have a successful outcome. Paul describes the biblical worldview of each area from his perspective, not realizing that things would remain unchanged. I believe as

In Paul letter to the Romans he provides for us a biblical view of creation, which is our natural world, our human identity as it relates to God, human relationship and how it should be understood and culture. He shows us God’s love for all mankind, regardless of nationality or cultural background through His saving grace found in Jesus Christ. He grants salvation to all by faith in His son, with no favoritism or partiality. Man is incapable of saving himself, it is not earned through his works or good deeds, it’s only found by faith in Christ. It is essential for us today to have a clear and proper biblical understanding of our Creator,

The way people ultimately view homosexuality, whether in religion, politics or modern popular culture, is all determined by traditional or changing points of view. This essay will discuss mainly liberal and conservative Christian interpretations of the Bible, including many verses that may support or condemn homosexuality. It will also discuss the political views and laws against same-sex marriage and the social activism in the homosexual community. This is all about view points and it has many conflicting views and arguments.

Firstly, there is a set of Biblical assumptions about the natural world. In Romans 1:20, Paul says that “His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world.” (Romans 1:20, ESV) This verse is stating that the world naturally reveals the glory of God. The wonder of creation, from the mountains to the birds in the sky, all point towards the existence of a creator. This is known as natural revelation, which is the idea that

It was not until the twelfth century that homosexuality started to be condemned. This condemnation proved to live through then until now. Due to the fact that America incorporated these early views into its early laws, even the most bland of today's sex acts were seen as unlawful (“Homosexuality and Mental Health”). Since then, these laws have changed, however, there is still a primarily negative connotation on homosexuals when coming from a church or legal standpoint concerning the masses of America.

By June of 1992 the General Board of the American Baptist Church was being pressured by some of their member churches to accept the practice of homosexuality within their denomination. A resolution called “Homosexuality and the Church”, which identified Gods plan for the fulfillment of sexual union to be one man and one woman in heterosexual, monogamous, and lifelong marriage, was narrowly defeated. The resolution further stated that “the redeeming love of Christ” is available to practicing homosexuals as it is to all who turn to him in faith and repentance.

In the past ten years, the nonstop discussion and stress has been over the question of homosexuality. Are homosexuals to be excluded from the community of faith? Article writers, Richard B. Hays and Walter Wink explain their perspective and answer the ongoing talk.

result of this behavior toward God is a culture that God has given up to its own sinful desires and debased mind. (Rom. 1:21-28) I believe this is why the issue of homosexuality is so prevalent in our culture today. Paul says that when people refuse to acknowledge God that God will give them up to the desires of their flesh to perform shameful acts that are contrary to nature. Warren Wiersbe explains it this way: “The result of this self-deification was self-indulgence; and here Paul mentions a vile sin that was rampant in that day and has become increasingly prevalent in our own day; homosexuality.” Name any other prevalent sin in the culture today and chances are it is included in Paul’s list at the end of Romans chapter one. Our culture

With regards to the natural world, Romans states that “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20, NLT). The world was made perfect from God’s hands and science taken the credit away from Him and given it to Evolution other erroneous ideas. It goes on to say they thought foolishly of what God was like and eventually became lost and confused. So instead of worshipping God, they worshiped idols and God abandoned them to do whatever their hearts wished (Romans 1:21-24). People in this world are no different from those in Paul’s days. The idols people worship today range from people, statues, wealth, material things, etc. It may not be the physical and literal act of bowing down to those things but in their actions, it’s clear that that’s all their minds are set on. Verses 25-32 is a perfect example of how people live; a perfect example of how we are not to live. Naturally we are all sinners but because of Jesus we can be forgiven for those sins and free from

Paul makes it clear that the world was created by God and that we are without excuse if we choose to deny that. Romans

Miller demonstrates in “Our Mutual Joy: The Religious Case for Gay Marriage” the importance in Scripture concerning gay marriage and why it isn’t necessarily valid in all arguments. The gay community suffers biblical scrutiny at all times because there are people, and whole communities such as churches, who don’t agree with their sexual orientation. Miller defends this community by comparing it to a heterosexual marriage because after all, it isn’t any different. “More basic than theology, though, is human need.” (Miller). What any person wants is to love and to be loved; why should this be exclusive to only heterosexuals? Using statistics to prove her points, she turns to a poll: “(In the Newsweek poll, 55 percent of respondents said that married heterosexuals who have sex with someone other than their spouses are more morally objectionable than a gay couple in a committed sexual relationship.)” (Miller). This shows how the idea of marriage has changed. Miller also compares old traditions that are presently

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Gen 1:1-2). Paul states in Romans 1:20 that Gods invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature are clearly understood by the visible things that God has made in this world. God’s redeemed, should show a concern for the care of nature. Nature suffers because it is a casualty of sin, not because it is naturally evil. The world should anticipate a time when God shall deliver creation from the wrath of sin (8:19, 21). Nature “waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed” (8:19). 133

“…Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone. Jesus stood up and asked her, "Where is everyone? Isn 't there anyone left to accuse you?" "No sir," the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, "I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don 't sin anymore.”

Homosexuality has become accepted by many in our culture today. PBS estimates that there are 9 million members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community (Greve, Joan. “LGBT America: By the Numbers.”). This makes up 3.8% of the US population. Some of these members identify as Christians. So this poses a couple of questions: does the Bible really condemn homosexuality, can you be a gay Christian, and can two people of the same sex be legitimately married? These are important questions for churches to have answers to as the LGBT movement is becoming very popular.

A major situation confronting Paul during ancient times was trying to make sense of the barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Ultimately, the solution to breaking the barrier comes through Christ alone. Christ died for all humankind not just one kind. This view of Christ as the true solution is also the answer to the oppositions in the book of Romans. Two major oppositions are seen in Romans 8:1-11, between good and evil and spirit and flesh. Paul, who confronts many issues in Rome, cannot resolve these oppositions. Rather, "he proclaims liberation from the existential rupture in human nature, formulated by means of the figures that express opposition between flesh and the spirit, through participation in Christ." Romans 8:1-11 proves that living in the Spirit results in ultimate freedom and everlasting life. This freedom in the Spirit then means that the bondage of the law of sin and death is released.