BI Lecture 10 322 (2/23)

God's View of Sin
- Last lecture focused on the Christian perspective of sin, particularly how our view aligns with God's views.
- Believers have Christ's righteousness covering their sins.
- The concept of imputed righteousness implies that believers are declared justified and sanctified by God.
Living Consistently with God's Declarations
- It is vital that believers live consistent with what God declares them to be.
- If declared justified and sanctified, their lifestyle should reflect that identity.
- Quote from a former pastor: "Walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk walk talks louder than your talks."
- Emphasizes that while perfection isn't attainable, believers should strive towards their best with God's help and grace.
Identity Transformation
- Believers are now children of God and children of the light.
- Transition from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His dear son signifies a change in behavior and lifestyle expectations.
Challenges against the Church
- Criticism that the church is full of hypocrites, posing as something they are not.
- Differentiates between those genuinely trying, and posers who negatively affect the church's reputation.

Overview of Romans
- Chapters 1-3 present a universal indictment on mankind due to sin.
- Chapter 4 addresses transformation through faith, using Abraham as a model.
- Chapter 5 teaches about the radical change in status from being in Adam to being in Christ.
Key Passage - Romans 6:11
- "Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin."
- "Reckon" implies an accounting term—consider something to be true as a factual reality.
- Example: If one found $5,000,000 in their bank account, they would significantly alter their behavior due to this newfound wealth.
Instruction to Believers
- Believers are instructed to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God through Christ.
- Calls on believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies.
- The act of yielding oneself should be towards righteousness instead of sin.

Separation of Fellowship vs. Relationship
- Small note: Sin breaks fellowship but not relationship.
- First John emphasizes that claiming no sin deceives oneself.
- Fellowship is restored through confession of sin, emphasizing the importance of ongoing repentance.
God's Justice Regarding Sin
- God’s view encompasses both justice and mercy.
- Accountability for sin requires understanding what God expects from mankind.
God's Perspective on the Helpless
- Discussed believers' accountability contrasted with those who are mentally incapable of decision-making or have not reached an accountable age.
- Biblical references suggest that until an explicit law is given, sin is not imputed (Romans 5:13).
Illustration from Jonah
- In Jonah's narrative, God shows mercy to the people of Nineveh, especially children unable to discern their right from left, highlighting divine mercy toward the innocent.

Concept of Accountability
- Age of Accountability refers to the belief that children not capable of understanding right from wrong aren't held accountable by God.
- Children are seen as innocent until they reach an age where they can comprehend the moral implications of their actions.
Panel Discussion on Salvation
- Questions posed to clarify beliefs about the process of salvation, repentance, and the role of faith.
- Statements examined included:
- “A person must repent of his sins to be born again.”
- “Water baptism is necessary for salvation.”
- “Faith in Christ alone suffices for salvation.”
Summary of Soteriology
- Mankind is guilty and condemned due to sin.
- God’s mercy provides the way for salvation through Jesus Christ, who paid for humanity’s sins, enabling justification and sanctification.
- The ultimate aim of these doctrines is glorification, wherein believers attain eternal security through their faith.