Is God the First Cause of Sin?

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

Amy: True love can only exist where there is a choice.

God wants (desires) true love from His children.

HP: Excellent point Amy. Love, hate, or any moral intent formed can only be predicated when choice exists. Not choice just to do as one wills, but choice to be the first cause of ones intents. Freedom exist in the relationship that exists between the will itself and the intent formed, not between the intent and the action. One can only do as they will. There is not a shred of freedom in what is commonly stated as “freedom to do as one wills.” Freedom exists in the very formation of the intent, in choosing the intent, in being the first cause of the intent.

Amy: Even though we have sinful natures or whatever you want to call it (because of Adam's sin), God has not left us to ourselves to seek Him, but has always provided help in the form of general revelation through His creation, the prophets, His written word, His Son who walked the earth, His Holy Spirit who draws all men to Himself.

HP: Indeed He has. I do not equate the general revelation granted to man by God with being offered the salvation message, but it is clearly enough to grant to them a conscience able to guide them if they would be follow it. Scripture sadly indicates that none have followed the light that God has afforded us. All have sinned and came short of the glory of God.

 

[Heavenly Pilgrim]

RB: I have seen you try to use skills in debate and logic to win arguments. I am never impressed by this. It smacks of the wisdom of men which the Gospel itself does not come in.

HP: I have a hard time trying to understand your beef. Every preacher of the gospel should, if not does, utilize logic and debate tactics to persuade men of what they feel is the truth.

It is as Rush has stated in essence. A man never receives any real criticism until he presents truth as if though he really believes he has and is presenting the truth. Then, look out, the opposition hits the fan. Such an individual is automatically branded as being arrogant, etc, simply due to the fact he knows where and why he states what he does. As long as anything goes and we just discuss whatever it is fine, just don’t form or have a solid opinion.