It would seem that sin is sin, and since unsaved people "don't know any better," that, all of them being unsaved, they all would have the same level of sin. However, that's not so. Because you have the "hard core sinners" like murderers, drug addicts, wife beaters. But then you have other unsaved people, who don't have "as extreme" sins in their life, and even state that they find it disgusting what the "extreme" sinners are doing. So it would seem that there are "levels of sin" amongst the unsaved. So the question this raises for me is, if they're all in their unperfect state of being unsaved, you would think they don't know right from wrong at all, and that the one wouldn't see anything wrong with the murderer, etc. But no. Now maybe God "restrains" their thoughts a little, so they "somewhat" know right from wrong, but then, why don't the "hardcore sinners" have that "restraint" on them? A mystery...
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Why do unsaved people differ from one another?
- Thread starter Steven Bobb
- Start date
Namelesservant
Humble Servant of All
We are all fallen short of the grace of God. No matter if someone follows the law to its every letter, but if they break even one tiny thing they are breakers of the law.
There are decrees of sin, yes I believe so. And what you observe in unsaved people is in degree true also on those who know Christ. We all fall short of his perfection. And I dare say there are people much more righteous in the midst of unsaved than there is in the ranks of saved, that is measured by the decrees of law. But I am happy that our level of righteousness is not determined by the law but by Christ through whom we are made righteous.
That's why we need Christ as our saviour; he finished the work and was perfect in the eyes of the Father and now as we have come to know Christ, God sees us through Christ. We have been washed.
But when we come to know Christ does all sin just go away from our lives. Well, quite obviously no. We repent and change our ways, but there is always something that rises up when we grow to know Christ deeper. As we grow in the knowledge of God, he reveals to us more and more how depraved we really are. This is the struggle between the flesh and spirit. Romans 7 is describing that very well.
Romans 2 speaks of how even gentiles instinctively know certain laws. And there are certain things that most, despite some mentally ill or retarded people, know to be true. As an example, the sanctity of life is something almost all cultures and religions recognize to be true (except some radical views). This is universal law that is written in everyone's heart. Speaking with children is at times really enlightening because there seems to be law written in them and they know certain things to be wrong by instinct, and children are especially good to see if something is unfair.
Also, the culture we live in is based on Christian morals and values. And most people are raised to these core values. This explains why unsaved people have different levels of sin. Because they might be raised up differently.
I believe that everyone knows the difference between right and wrong. But this inside moral compass has been distorted by culture. And when we come to know Christ, we can finally have a clear heading on that compass.
Very interesting subject to discuss about, thank you for starting.
There are decrees of sin, yes I believe so. And what you observe in unsaved people is in degree true also on those who know Christ. We all fall short of his perfection. And I dare say there are people much more righteous in the midst of unsaved than there is in the ranks of saved, that is measured by the decrees of law. But I am happy that our level of righteousness is not determined by the law but by Christ through whom we are made righteous.
That's why we need Christ as our saviour; he finished the work and was perfect in the eyes of the Father and now as we have come to know Christ, God sees us through Christ. We have been washed.
But when we come to know Christ does all sin just go away from our lives. Well, quite obviously no. We repent and change our ways, but there is always something that rises up when we grow to know Christ deeper. As we grow in the knowledge of God, he reveals to us more and more how depraved we really are. This is the struggle between the flesh and spirit. Romans 7 is describing that very well.
Romans 2 speaks of how even gentiles instinctively know certain laws. And there are certain things that most, despite some mentally ill or retarded people, know to be true. As an example, the sanctity of life is something almost all cultures and religions recognize to be true (except some radical views). This is universal law that is written in everyone's heart. Speaking with children is at times really enlightening because there seems to be law written in them and they know certain things to be wrong by instinct, and children are especially good to see if something is unfair.
Also, the culture we live in is based on Christian morals and values. And most people are raised to these core values. This explains why unsaved people have different levels of sin. Because they might be raised up differently.
I believe that everyone knows the difference between right and wrong. But this inside moral compass has been distorted by culture. And when we come to know Christ, we can finally have a clear heading on that compass.
Very interesting subject to discuss about, thank you for starting.
All unsaved people are the same. Full of rage, anger, hate and bitterness in their heart. Satan would not let them go because they have rejected Jesus as Savior and Lord. Atheists who reject God as Creator of everything are heading to hell sooner than anyone else. They are full of depression, loneliness and sadness. We must pray for them.
Brother James
Beloved of All
You do realize that God has a hand of restraint that prevents people from sinning don't you? That is why everyone doesn't go off the deep end sinning. With God the sin of lying is no different than the sin of murder yet we look at degrees of sin where God does not for no sin is greater in God's eyes yet if God looks at someone He saved, He only sees Himself with His Righteousness looking back at Him. Thank You, Praise You Lord Jesus! Glory to You Lord Jesus!
Thank You, Praise You Lord Jesus for ###! Lord teach ### to follow your instructions, teach ### to count it all as joy and teach ### to stop thinking about his life all in Jesus! Amen! Thank You Lord Jesus!
Steven Bobb
Beloved of All
Well...I don't know. Because when the books are opened, if one person murdered one person, and say, ### ordered the deaths of millions, it would be the same sin but repeated many times over. So some Christians believe there will be degrees of punishment in Hell. As for restraint, yes, while the world is being upheld, but at Armageddon. I would think because that is when this world is ending, I would think that God would let us give in to our natures. {the unsaved.} I would say God is "upholding" the world until all the saved are saved. {"The Lord is not slack with us, as some count slackness, but longsuffering, not willing that any should perish but that all should attain to repentance."} But the next statement, "Yet the day of the Lord will come as a thief". {In other words, everything in its time.}
All unsaved people need our prayers, they need the Lord, they are lost and going to hell. Specially our next door neighbors. Fast and pray daily for them so they will come with us to church and be saved. Jesus loves all of them.
Namelesservant
Humble Servant of All
Not just our prayers. But us telling the gospel to them. Pray for opportunities to tell them the gospel and for wisdom to use right words and explain scripture. Yes we need to pray for them too, but don't forget we are all missionaries even if it is a one person we can reach.
Also in these times we should strive to live more and more in the obedience of the word. Our lives as Christians are great testimonies and we are living letters of Christ.
What comes for restraint. Well just think what would happen if God did not restrain people, this planet would be a living hell. One way we God keeps people at bay is through earthly government and laws.
Romans 13:1-5
Let every soul be subject to the authorities that are above him. For there is no authority except from God; and those that exist are set up by God. So that he that sets himself in opposition to the authority resists the ordinance of God; and they who thus resist shall bring sentence of guilt on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to a good work, but to an evil one. Dost thou desire then not to be afraid of the authority? practise what is good, and thou shalt have praise from it; for it is God's minister to thee for good. But if thou practisest evil, fear; for it bears not the sword in vain; for it is God's minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil. Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience.
This is of course as long as those laws and authorities are in line with the word. Most of our laws are but we see all the time how society is grappling into moral degeneration. In the end we must first obey Bible and then if by obeying Law of God we are not contradicting earthly laws then obey them as well.
Good discussion about the subject. And I am happy to see all of you giving opinions and point of views that differ from one another. This kind of discussion helps us to grow.
All my college classmates rejected Jesus and made fun of me while I share with them. I fasted and prayed and Jesus heard my prayer and saved all of them. I keep praying for all my friends on line, they are a lot of them who disagree with me and sometimes say nasty things, but I keep praying for them and inviting them to come to church wherever they are. A Bible believing church where they can be saved and going on to heaven after they die.
