Collateral Reading on Man and Sin

Humanity and Sin share one long history from the beginning time history. Sin traces back to the date of man in the Garden of Aden and then through the history of the Israelites. The story of Adam inspires the origin of life simultaneous to the inception of sin into the world. Therefore, the history of the Bible documents the history of the quest for salvation. This account relays the plan by God to save the humanity. This sinful nature continues to live on in the decedents of Adam until the coming and death of Jesus. Through the coming of Jesus, and his ultimate sacrifice as a willing lamb that takes away the iniquity of man, humanity is offered a second chance at forgiveness of sin and salvation. Consequentially, the scope of this paper lies in the exploration of the issues underlying the aspects of sin and humanity, and the principles involved.

Q1. Explain why “let’s make man in our own image” remains an organizing principle in the Bible?

The aspects of human imagery in the likeness of God remains the emblem of humanity on godliness. The issues associated with holiness include the ability and will to shun sin and ask forgiveness in the event we trespass. The realization of the potential of our cries and supplication for forgiveness before God remains crafted in the integrity of this ideal. Nevertheless, it remains important to note that only for meek and sorrowful at heart shall forgiveness and salvation be granted (Fragola, n.d.). Therefore, although being heirs by birth to the kingdom of God remains a guaranteed the human exploits from Genesis to Revelation dictate another side to the story. Subsequently, the price for inheriting the kingdom of God remains encrusted on the ideals of abstaining from sin and practicing righteousness.

The idea of creating man in the likeness of God ensured a lasting personal relationship between the two. This aspect of having a relationship with God places man at the highest of pedestal compared to the reset of creation. Additionally, the ability to commune with God puts the man in a direct line to seek forgiveness and salvation. These ideals remain compounded in the aspect of dominion, the ability of man to relate to another and capacity to have a special connection to God. The image refers to speech and reasons, an element that differentiates men from beasts. The term “Demuth” on the other hand refers to likeness, a terminology of high or parallel similarity between two people or characters. The most powerful ideas presented by the disposition to be God-like lies in the ability of man to make decisions and choices.

Q2. Similarities and differences between the first Adam and the last Adam “Christ” with relation to the organizing principle.

Both Adams were blood and flesh, made in the likeness of God. The first man was created from the soil in the image of God and life breathed into him. He lived an ordinary life in the Garden of Eden. However, there two creation stories, nonetheless, the underlying factor remains that both end with a man as the most advanced of the creation. Additionally, Adam being human, flesh, and blood, a descendant of his lineage remains also flesh(MacArthur, 2017). The fact that Jesus lost his life on the cross after enduring much pain and suffering indicates the same suffering that Adam and Eve felt after falling short of the glory of the Lord.

Both Adams had a personal relationship with God. The book of Genesis indicates that God and Adam were personal friends. God would occasionally visit him and commune until God realized that Adam was lonely. The struggle to bring man back to the light was based on this relationship; God loved Adam and his decedents. Therefore, in a bid to save the relationship to man, he sent his only son to die on the cross for humanity’s sake. The aspect of sacrifice shows how important the decedents of Adam remain to God.

The Adam from Genesis marks the inception of sin whereas Christ marks the end of sin(MacArthur, 2017). Adam mistake caused the origin of sin into the world in disobeying God. This point in humanity marks the first instance whereby, the man attempted to question God after eating from the tree of knowledge. The rise in the urge to commit sin to favor one’s self-remain among men exemplified in Cain killing Abel over favor from God. However, throughout the Bible, God tried to use prophets and kings to save his chosen people. The ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ remains the only endeavor that saved the whole humanity.

Q3. There is no neutrality in the fight between the kingdoms of heaven and Satan…in the areas of ideas. Evaluate the strengths and weakness of this point.

Heaven and hell represent two entities with diverse perceptions of sin and man. With no apparent sense of neutrality, it remains important to note that fight between the two ideas boils down to the demons and angels involved. The Bible states categorically, there is no neutral grounds in stands when it comes to picking a side, good or evil. Therefore, as Christian and ordinary people remained bound to pick the kingdom of Christ or remain followers of Satan. Nevertheless, reverence of God through following the strict rules and ideals of Christianity compounded by righteousness remains the only way to see heaven. Whereas, practicing occult religion or just believing in other gods remains the surest ways to end up in hell (Chan, 2007, p. 76).

This point holds a lot of sway in the Christian religion. When talking about the difference between white and black, the aspect of good and evil remains well illustrated. The kingdom of hell and the world remain under the control of the Satan. Therefore, conformists to the occult ways as well as human inclination remain marked by the Beast. In reality, as Christians we live on earth, however, through authority granted to them through professing belief in Jesus and subsequent forgiveness of sin, we walk over the evil in the world. Additionally, in most reality, the workings of the world should, therefore, not interfere with our belief and trust in God.

Q4. What is the importance of believers practicing forgiveness?

The idea of likeness in God’s image not only remains compounded in dominion and creativity but the ability to forgive others (Vorster, 2009). Therefore, given that God remains inclined to forgive us with every trespass, we should also extend and olive branch to our fellow brethren and humans. In reality, the act of forgives remains bound by the love of one’s neighbor like one’s self. Through these countless acts of forgiveness, man depicts the worth in being forgiven too. Additionally, as sons and daughters of God, the ability to overlook and forget iniquities portrays Christians as true heirs of the kingdom of God (Chan, 2007, p. 171)

.Q5.  Summarize the Bible teachings on sovereignty, deity, and personality of the Holy Spirit.

The Jehovah witness has long supported the idea of the Holy Spirit as a power or influence emanating from God. This perception denies the Holy Spirit a person portraying a sense of force or power beyond human control working on behalf of God. However, various Bible verses such as Acts 2:4 and I Corinthians 12:13 portrays the personality and Godly embodiment of the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, to avoid a question of whom remains robust between God and the Holy Spirit, the ideals of the Trinity portrays the unity in the deities. This questions often arise from the different analogies presented in the Bible in explaining the Holy Spirit, especially in the disparity in the ideals of the New and Old Testament.

The deities of Christ and the Holy Spirit should never be treated as secondary God. The power of the Trinity assures omnipotence and omnipresence, a common attribute of the three divine beings. Therefore, the perception of many Christians terming the Holy Ghost as “it” remains unfounded and totally against the scriptures. The ability of the Holy Spirit to fill someone breaks the notion of an inanimate being rather exemplifying the aspect of personality and an idea of a potential friend and companion in the walk of Christianity. Additionally, since the spirit remains God, his sovereignty over all creation remains unquestionable. In John 3, the Bible indicates the major role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation. Consequentially, for one to be fully saved acceptance of the Holy Ghost is prerequisite and essential (Chan, 2007, p. 106).

Q6. In what way does persecution and suffering play to the reaffirmation of oneself? Give scripture references to support the ideas?

The idea of persecution and Christian suffering remains vital in the walk of faith. Mathew 16:24-25 highlights the value of following the example of Jesus in picking up a cross and following in the path of righteousness. The idea of the cross represents pain and suffering that Christ endured in the quest to save humanity from eternal damnation. Therefore, through suffering and persecution, the reaffirmation of faith dawns on the believers (Macaulay & Barrs, 1978, p. 125). Additionally, the going through tribulations we, disciples of Jesus get to see the Kingdom of God. Nonetheless, as Christians we not only share in the faith but also the sufferings of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:29, NKJ).

The belief in Jesus remains a reason behind why the world hates them. Not only does belief remains confined to those who are in Christ but also the willingness to endure suffering in the name of the savior. This hostility can be perpetrated in the form of physical and emotional persecution. This sense of resentment often lacks a profound backing and as the Bible notes in John 15:25, the lack of reason behind the hate against Christ and God by a stretch. However, as Christians, we are encouraged to find peace even in the face of this unfriendliness. The aspect of neighborhood and love of thy enemies remains essential in promoting the value of Christianity.

Suffering in Christianity is not a punishment but a way of rejoicing salvation. Therefore, suffering remains primarily for righteousness sake. Therefore, in Mathew 16:21, Jesus assures his disciples of a life of pain based on choice. He urges his followers to either accept it or reject it; this means siding with humanity or God’s wishes. The liability of choice we make therefore in persevering through challenges and problems we choose to stay on a path of righteousness (Macaulay & Barrs, 1978, p. 126). Consequently, taking up the cross assures and affirms our belief in God by trusting and believing in the idea of Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Q7. Reason and mind are vital for the understanding of Christianity and its teachings?

The ideals of reason and mind remains a key influence on the faith and belief of Salvation. The forgiveness of sin after the proclamation of Jesus remains an issue that is highly [questionable especially with regards to the levels of modern day thinking. This inclination attaches questions on the reality of resurrection through questioning the integrity of soul and body after death. Additionally, modernity seems to remain the sole influence behind the queries into the relationship between mind with relation to the spiritual realms and developments. Nevertheless, the lack of scientific proof of the existence and occurrence of life after death remains an essential cornerstone of Christianity as it inspires faith; perceiving the unseen.

The lack of faith can be termed as skepticism. This idea represents one of the most common characteristics of modern day scientific research and development (Macaulay & Barrs, 1978, p. 137). Guided by null and alternative hypothesis, the neutrality in the normal findings remains standard features. This stance goes against the foundational belief on which Christianity is based. The ability to choose good from bad remains the key motivation for attempting to seek forgiveness and salvation from Jesus. However, science inspires a sense of neutrality and skepticism in picking a side.

Q8. Describe the will’s role in conversion and spiritual growth?

The power of will quantifies our effort in leading a decent and righteous life. Therefore, will be described as the ability to insatiable need to follow the teaching of God and practice them. The Bible connotes the idea of faith or belief without action to a situation similar to death. The ability to act on faith, for instance, remains the work of will. Additionally, it remains imperative to note that will can either be God’s or men’s. The former will remains uncontrollable by man, whereas there a couple of aspects that might influence our intention on belief and faith. Most importantly, to invoke faith and convert from the wicked, sinful ways require a joust of will to yield faith in Jesus Christ.

The advancement in spirit refers to the deepening of one relationship to God. This levels of belief mark an improvement in the relationship with a deepening in faith and belief. This progress remains only possible after forgiveness of sin and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Most of the Christian teachings remains hinged upon the betterment of one, guiding their actions and daily lives. Therefore, growth is only realized once we apply the lesson learned through the teachings of Jesus and his apostles in our everyday endeavors as believers and as members of the society.

Q9. Describe the five principles of God’s guidance that you have applied in a situation in your life?

One of the most important applications of God’s guidance remains in decision making. Therefore, pragmatism is not applicable in seeking the guidance of God. The Bible and prayer remain the two essential tools in effecting a sound and practical decision. Additionally, knowing the principles of the Bible on the subject matter remains a significant step in making a sound resolution, Proverbs 2: 6 captures that “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” Secondly, it is important to factor in all the skills and information to make a sound and informed the decision, Proverbs 18:17 “The first to plead his case seems right until another comes and examines him.” Thirdly, identify the pressurizing factors and motives pushing for the resolve. Fourthly, an input from the community and neighbors on the matter invites them to share in the problem. Finally, a study of the warning signs remains an indicator of danger on whether the decision is right or wrong.

The ramifications of the earthy choices and actions remain a significant influence on the living and way of life of both believers and non-believers. The divulging of the nature and origin of the sinful nature of man highlighting the importance of forgiveness in the face of persecution and suffering. Most importantly, my favorite chapter of the documentation lies under image and likeness to God. Therefore, it remains imperative for Christians to note that ability to look like God grants us power over other creatures, creativity, and procreation. Therefore, humanity continues to be an idea that most theologians argue as accidental, sexually driven, non-being inclined and existential. Nevertheless, the history of the Bible indicates a history whereby God has been relentless in the attempt to restore His relationship with a man. This general outlook portrays the importance of humanity to God.