Deal Pentecostal Church

dealpentecostal@gmail.com

Subject: Mankind and original sin

Statement of Faith: We believe in the fall of man, who was created pure and upright, but fell by voluntary transgression (Gen. 1:26-31, 3:1-7; Rom. 5:12-21).

Recommended Reading (pdf click here)

T.L.Osborn dvd: The Christ Connection – Miracle: To listen to MP3 click here

Episode 4  Action: What happens when we discover how much God trusts us?

Questions (Download as pdf)

1 Why do you think that Adam (and Eve) yielded to satan’s temptation to disobey God’s instructions? Gen.2;15-17; 3:1-7; Jn.8:44;10:10; Rev.12:9;2Cor.11:3; 1Tim.2:13

2 When Adam sinned, what happened to him (and thus to all mankind)? Rom.5:12-19; 1Cor.15:21-22

3 In response to the catechism question: In what sense is Adam’s sin imputed to all mankind? John Wesley’s answer was: In Adam all die; that is, our bodies then became mortal. Our souls died; that is, were disunited from God. And hence, we are all born with a sinful, devilish nature. By reason whereof, we are children of wrath, liable to death eternal. (Rom.5.18; Eph. 2.3).

Do you agree with Wesley’s answer? Please explain (especially with reference to eternal life).

4 Nigel Wright, in his article The Reality And Origin Of Evil says he believes that “evil in itself does not consist of structured form or being. This amounts to a claim that the language used in the Scriptures and in the traditions of Christian thought and practice to describe evil is narrative and mythic in nature even though the reality to which it refers is far from being mythical. Otherwise put, the devil is a product of sinful human society rather than the other way round, a construct of godless corporate human existence”. This is in contrast to Jesus who said that he saw “satan fall like lightening from heaven” (Luke 10:18) and that the devil had been “a murderer from the beginning  ... and is a liar” (Jn.8:44) clearly showing satan is a personality not a concept. Although the devil was stripped of his power to harm Believers, how can satan influence us today and what is our defence? 1Jn.5:18; 1Pet.5:7-9; Col.3:1-10; Rom.12:1-2; Eph.6:10-18 2Cor.10:3-5

5 Can we blame the devil for our problems, mistakes or sins or should we take the blame ourselves?

6 How do we “contend” for truth? Where is this struggle and who is it against?

In order to address past neglect T.L.Osborn does rather labour the point about women having an equal role with men in God’s kingdom. However we should remember that men and women are not in competition with one another but are a team.

7 Has his preaching challenged you to be more inclusive in your language so you are clear that the Scripture is talking about each of us today rather than someone else or another era? Please explain

T.L.Osborn says “Jesus considers us His friend, ...get acquainted with Him”.

8 Have you felt guilty for not “doing” enough to help God run His kingdom? How do you feel after hearing T.L.Osborn? Please explain

He also says that power (“virtue” in the KJV) is resident within us and so we must not go by feelings (which is not faith) but by the Bible.  

9 Have you relied on “feeling” spiritual or holy rather than believing what God has stated about you? How can you overcome your feelings in order to believe God? Please back up your answers from Scripture

We have not learnt anything until we do it!