The Cause of Sin
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 1:18-25
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Chief Articles of Faith in the Augsburg Confession
The Cause of Sin
Lutherans teach that God created and preserves every good thing. The cause of sin however, is the will of the devil and those people who, without the help of the Holy Spirit, are determined to turn from God. They rely on their sinful nature, as Christ said of the devil: “He speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
Pulling It Together: God did not determine that there would be sin and evil in the world. Nevertheless, it is within his will that we may sin. God did not create evil. Rather he created all things good. In the beginning, when he spoke creation into existence, he concluded that, “It was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Yet, because of our human nature, we easily turn away from God, intent on having things our way. Our wills resolve to not do good, and this we call sin. Further, we are enticed to do the wrong thing, the sinful thing, by the father of lies and disobedience, the devil (John 8:44). Without the aid of God's Spirit, we are hell-bent (Genesis 6:5).
Prayer: Lord, shine within me that I may do your will. Amen
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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