We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Do We “Fall” Into Sin?

I was talking to someone yesterday about Christians who were re-building their marriage after one was caught in an adulterous relationship.  A comment was made about how the woman “fell” into adultery, and that we can all “fall” into an egregious sin.  The thought hit me at that moment that Christians are using the wrong terminology: no one “falls” into into sin - they walk into it!
When someone “falls” it is an accident.  Sins such as sexual immorality are not accidents - they are the consummation of following temptations.
Look at what James 1:14-15 says:  But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires.  Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. (HCSB)
No, we don’t “fall” into sin - we voluntarily walk into sin by following the temptation where it leads.

4 comments:

hymns that preach said...

Actually, most of us "RUN AND JUMP" into sin.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Well, you pretty much hit the nail on the head there!

Steve Bricker said...

Now I'm wondering how many doctrines we misstate. Hmm.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Well, we talk about the "Fall" with Adam and Eve, but that is different, in that it was a fall from grace.

But when we say people "fall into sin," it's as if they couldn't help it, that it was an accident that they did what they did.

So I'm not sure about how misstate doctrines.