Heavenly Pilgrim
New Member
Southern: Romans 5 is comparing the work of Adam and its effects on “all” (in him) with the work of Christ on “all” (in him). (see also 1 Cor. 15:22,23)
HP: So now the word ‘many’ really means ‘all?’
Southern: You seem to be saying that the only connection that Adam has in “making” us sinners is by example. Could you please clarify on this point. For example, when you mention “influence”, exactly how are we influenced specifically by Adam (vs. 19)?
I am trying to understand how Adam merely setting an example (if that is indeed your position) can compare to Paul saying that we were made sinners through Adam:
HP: we are greatly influenced by the sin of Adam and its curse upon the human race. Physical depravity worsening over time even from birth has increased greatly the natural proclivity to sin. The examples and habits of men over the centuries has also created environments conducive for a formidable influence and occasions to sin.
Sin is not a contagion passed on by physical means as Augustine made us to believe. (Did he force us or have some willingly accepted what he offered? Was his influence force or coercion or simply an influence to a certain set of beliefs?) Sin does not lie in the physical constitution of man, but rather is a pronouncement of God upon certain intents and subsequent actions denoting and judging them as selfishness as opposed to benevolence. Sin is willful disobedience against a known commandment of God.
Make no mistake. Scripture informs us clearly that we all are sinners, even in this chapter. Why? Because “all have sinned.” God calls on every last living person to repent. That is a clear indication that sin is indeed a universal problem.
The point we should be willing to agree on and limit our doctrinal statements to are simply, ALL men are indeed sinners and in need of a Savior, and that NONE can be righteous before the Lord apart from His atoning work for sins that are past and His influence upon our daily lives as we walk obedient with Him.
Southern: 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. (NIV)
Finally, It seems that we agree (in a sense) that we are made righteous by the imputation of Christ’s righteousness. However, given Paul’s comparison in verse 19 above, it seems that Paul is saying that we are “made righteous” (which you seem to acknowledge is by imputation) in the same way that we are “made sinners” (which would have to be by imputation for the parallel to hold). But again, only you can present your position.
HP: I hope I clarified the import and meaning of the word ‘made’ in the paragraphs above concerning moral agents and their chosen intents and subsequent actions of selfishness or benevolence. NOTHING can sustain to the will of man the relationship of a cause without destroying moral accountability. Man must be able to something other than he does under the very same set of circumstances in order to be accountable in a moral way for such intents and subsequent actions. In order to do anything blameworthy or praiseworthy, man cannot be forced or coerced, but must have choice.
Scripture specifically states that sin cannot be imputed to you on the account of anothers transgressions. Every man is accountable for his own sins. Scripture is plain and straightforward.
Eze 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
UR HEARTS VIA THE TESTIMONY OF A CLEAR CONSCIENCE BEFORE GOD AND MAN, or one is still in their sins.