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What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 5/19/02 Radio Program

Question:

You teach that man is born without sin. Since men are not born in sin, then what causes all people to choose to sin?

Answer:

This is a very good question. Let us let the Bible answer this question. In James 1:13-15, we read the following: "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Further, when we read I John 2:16, we learn that there are three aspects of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride (vainglory) of life. These are ways by which Satan attempts to lure men and women away from God. He wants men in sin, and lost because of sin. These avenues of temptation were used in the garden with Eve (Genesis 3:6), and are still in use (and quite effective) today.

Another thing which leads men away from God, and causes them to yield to Satan's temptations and sin is the pleasure of sin. Many do not appreciate the fact that sin is pleasurable (Heb. 11:25), and this is part of its attraction. The passing pleasures of sin result in men transgressing God's law (and sinning, I John 3:4), or just omitting God's law to do what they want to do (and sinning, James 4:17; I John 5:17).

Men feel immediate pleasure from sinning and satisfying their own lusts; but unfortunately, we do not consider the eternal consequences of sin (Romans 6:23). If we could ever appreciate the eternal consequences of sin, then the immediate, temporary pleasure would lose much of its attraction, I assure you! However, this is a choice each individual must make, and like Christ, we must encourage people to not yield to temptation, but live "soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12).

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