Blogogetics » Our Sin Nature

Big words for little ideas

Luke Shiras — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:01:53 +0000

I thought it was a good idea to explain some words that tend to get thrown around in theological discussions but I realized, the folks over at Theological Word of the Day (TWOTD) have already done that. So here are some key words (and their meanings) about why we started this site. Hopefully we can have more fruitful discussions if we all used the same meanings when using our big words. Or at least be able to explain what we mean with our big words. Oh, and if you haven’t already, you might want to subscribe to TWOTD. Apologetics (Gk. apologia “an answer”) Apologetics is the discipline of defending or giving an answer for the faith to those who have questions or objections to the Christian faith. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Significant apologists today include J.P. Moreland, William Lane Craig, Robert Bowman Jr., and Alvin Plantinga, among others. Theology Gk. theos, “God” logos “discourse” A reasoned study of God. Theology is a [...]

Big words for little ideas

Kicked out of the Garden

Luke Shiras — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:40:48 +0000

There are so many things I am thankful for; my wife, fellowship, a job, family, getting kicked out of the Garden of Eden… Yes, I am thankful for getting kicked out of the Garden. Sure it was probably the most beautiful place on Earth, plenty of food to eat, running around naked without a care in the world and not having to worry about being mauled by a bear…But we had to go ahead and screw that up, didn’t we? When I say we it comes from the fact that we are as guilty as Adam when it comes to the fall of man. God gave us one simple rule – “you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Gen 2:17). But as is our sinful nature, we had to follow our desires – not God’s. So there we are, butt naked – ashamed, sinning in front of God and everybody, wondering how we can get out of this mess we’re in. I know – we’ll hide – no, blame the woman – no… blame God. Yeah…about that… OK, the jig is up. You sinned and you got busted. What’s the first thing any [...]

Kicked out of the Garden

What is Sin?

Luke Shiras — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:27:00 +0000

A while back, you may recall that the Vatican announced several new sins. But it seems to me, there’s no such thing as new sins. In fact, there are basically three types of sin which manifest themselves in various forms. What is…sin’s essence? Playing God…acting as if you, and your pleasure, were the end to which all things, God included, must be made to function as a means. – J.I. Packer Avah – often translated “iniquity” means to be twisted out of shape. (Ps 51:2). Tim Keller described it this way; Just as a when a bone is dislocated from it’s socket it causes great pain and damage, so a heart not centered on God is filled with deeply distorted beliefs. If you are out of alignment with God’s will, then you most likely aren’t even aware of your sin. Avah violates God’s design. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures…hated and hating. (Titus 3:3) Chatha – often translated “sin” means to miss the mark or target. But it’s more than missing the target, it’s to fall short so completely. Like throwing a rock at the moon will “fall [...]

What is Sin?