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Why We Left Lutheranism--Inherited Damnation

Aug 24, 2001

The Lutherans teach that every baby born into this world inherits the guilt of Adam's sin and is wholly depraved when conceived. "Original sin is the depravity which is born in us; it is the inclination to evil which we and all men have inherited from our parents. Ever since the fall of Adam, all men who are naturally begotten are conceived and born in sin" (What Lutherans Believe, p. 65). We suffer today from Adam's sin, but there is not passage in the Bible that would teach that we inherit the guilt of Adam's transgression. Jesus said, "Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come unto me; for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14).
Can the Lutherans tell us if the guilt of Adam's sin comes from the fleshly or spiritual make-up of our foreparents? If they should say, "the flesh", it would necessarily make Jesus a sinner because "he became flesh" and was born of flesh (John 1:14; II Corinthians 5:16; Colossians 1:22). If our original sin is from foreparent's spirit, it would make God a sinner because "He is the Father of our spirits" (Hebrews 12:9).

Men who teach inherited sin can never successfully do so when folks have read the inspired statement from Ezekiel the prophet. "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" (Ezekiel 18:20). Sin is transgression of the law (I John 3:4). Until babies are old enough to know the law and transgress the same, there is not transgression and they are children of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14).

Once again, sophistry is weaved in the name of false theology.

What is our condition at birth? Are we born tabula rosa, that is with a "blank slate?" Or are we programmed at birth? And if we are programmed, how are we programmed?

First some Bible passages.

The LORD (Jahweh) smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done." (Genesis 8:21)

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. (Psalm 51:5)

		Michigan's Favorite Fruit

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4. Sep 5, 2001 7:29 AM
In response to message posted by Bonnie9:

Bonnie:

Employing your logic, what you are saying is that had Adam and Eve never eaten ...

-- posted by H2O

3. Sep 4, 2001 10:27 PM
I enjoyed reading your article, because it addressed a topic which I hadn’t thought much about until now. Upon reflection, though, I found that I have a different perspective, and I felt I should exp ...

-- posted by Bonnie9

2. Aug 24, 2001 11:04 AM
In response to message posted by H2O:

Excellently put in today's techno terms.

God bless,
Reddeer ...

-- posted by reddeer20

1. Aug 24, 2001 6:22 AM
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction ...

-- posted by H2O

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