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Genetically Based Sin
by
Josprel
Some time ago, I read with interest the comments someone sent to a
large urban newspaper. They had to do with the writer's concern on the
implications of genetic research on the prevailing ideas regarding sin and
man's free will. Is humanity really responsible for some acts condemned
by the Western religions? A United Methodist bishop was quoted as
wondering if sin is centered exclusively in free will.
The Apostle Paul, the Church's quintessential theologian would have no
argument with the idea of genetically based sin. Such discoveries
verify his teachings, long recorded in his Epistle to the Romans, that due
to The Fall the human race is "sold under sin." Paul wrote that, by its
own volition, humanity is unable to practice the morality demanded by
God, since the sin principle (Paul uses the term: "The law of sin and
death") is so dominant a factor in human nature that, without submission
to the Spirit of God through Christ Jesus, men are unable to free
themselves of its clutches. The human mind indeed may will to achieve the
demands of God's moral law, but the sin factor [genetically based sin] in
fallen humanity does not permit it. A regeneration and transformation
through Jesus Christ - a rebirth, if you prefer - is necessary.
The Apostle Paul put it this way, "So I find that this law is at work:
when I want to do what is good, that evil is the only choice I have. My
inner being delights in the law of God. But I see a different law at
work in my body - a law that fights against the law which my mind
approves of. It makes me a prisoner to the law of sin which is at work in my
body . . ." (Romans 7:21-23; Good News Bible).
Paul's solution? "There is no condemnation now for those who live in
union with Jesus Christ. For the law of the Spirit, which brings us life
in union with Jesus Christ, has set me free from the law of sin and
death. What the law [the moral code] could not do, because human nature
was weak, God did . . ." (Romans 8:1-3; Good News Bible; brackets
added by the author).
Yes, indeed! The genes of our race are programmed to sin! God
understands this, and He has mandated a reprogramming through the Holy Spirit of
those who are born again through Jesus Christ. It is for neglecting to
avail one's self of benefits of this reprogramming that a person is
charged by God with guilt.
Who knows? As scientist continue their search they yet may verify other
long-scorned Biblical truths, such as life after death, the reality of
heaven, and - now be nice, Josprel - perhaps even Hell and the Lake of
Fire.
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© Josprel (Joseph Perrello)
josprel@verizon.net
About the Author::
A prolific writer, many of Josprel's
stories and articles
appear in print and on the internet. He is an ordained minister who
resides in Western New York, and the author of two novels in progress,
"Beloved Apostate" and "Kanfal."
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