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The Original Sin Question
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The concept of original sin, as discussed, centers on the pervasive influence of sin in humanity, originating from Adam's actions but not as a direct inheritance forced upon all by God. Sin entered the world through Adam, and death spread to all because each person has sinned, emulating Adam's behavior. Every individual bears personal responsibility for their own sin and the resulting death, not merely because of Adam's initial transgression. Adam's sin affected all of mankind because, in a unique biblical logic, all were considered within him when he sinned, thus sharing in the penalty of death. However, this does not mean Adam made others guilty; rather, they were caught up in the consequence of his act. Human nature, described as vile, self-centered, and violent, is not a creation of God but a result of Satan's influence. God did not create Adam and Eve with a sinful nature, nor did He set them up to sin. They chose to sin upon encountering Satan, whose approach to life contrasted sharply with God's. This nature, essentially a Satanic nature adapted to humanity, emerged from Adam and Eve's association with and submission to Satan, flourishing in mankind to the point of enslavement. Satan became the god of this world, influencing each generation not through natural birth processes but through contact with his spirit, his demons, and an already infected society. The spirit God gave to humanity was initially very good, making man a distinct human being, separate from animals, and capable of wisdom. There was no disharmony or sin in Adam and Eve until Satan entered the scene, changing the heart of mankind by feeding it with his evil spirit. This transformation made Satan the god they looked to for guidance, fundamentally altering human nature through his influence, not through any inherent flaw placed by God. Thus, the struggle with sin remains a constant battle for Christians, who must bear their cross, aware of the sin within their hearts, fighting and overcoming it until they are in the Kingdom of God.
Original Sin and Holiness
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The world, through its concept of original sin, ultimately holds God responsible for the self-centered and self-serving nature of humanity. It suggests that God created this flawed mind, implying a setup for failure from the very beginning. However, this accusation is unfounded. God did not instill what we call human nature into Adam and Eve. He gave them a spirit described as very good, not deceitful or desperately wicked. The corruption of mankind came through contact with satan, who introduced sin through Adam and Eve, and this influence continued as part of their environment, affecting all born from them. The blame cannot be shifted to God, for His purpose demands that each person voluntarily choose their path in life. God permitted satan's temptation to occur, ensuring that the choice to sin was not forced upon Adam and Eve. Scripture makes it clear that there was no sin among humanity until satan appeared, initiating sin's way through them. Thus, the responsibility for sin lies with individual choices, not with God's creation or design.
Genesis 3:20-24: Consequences for God and Man
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Adam and Eve were given the death sentence by God, they also received hope that through the offspring of Eve a Savior would be born to crush the serpent.
Human Nature: Good or Evil?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProgressives tend to believe that human nature is perfectible and evolving. Conservatives tend to believe that human nature is evil and must be controlled.
How Human Nature Came to Be
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy is human nature so corrupt? Why is it so widespread? How did it come to be? Did God create it this way?
Are Humans Good or Evil?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughPhilosophy debates whether human beings are by nature good or evil, but the Bible is consistent—and perhaps surprising—in its description of man's nature.
Were the Ten Commandments in Force Before Moses?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletIt is commonly believed that the Ten Commandments are part of the ritualistic law, and that they lasted only until Christ. But here is the rest of the story.
Christianity's 'War on Women'?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible consistently teaches that it is the man's responsibility to set the moral tone in his marriage and family, which Adam failed to do.
Reconciliation and the Day of Atonement
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRepentance is something we must do with our God-given free moral agency. Reconciliation is an ongoing process that enables us to draw closer to what God is.
What We Can Learn From This Day of Atonement
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's solution to mankind's separation was sending a second Adam, Jesus Christ, to make reconciliation possible. Fasting shows our dependence on God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To keep us secure from the temptations of the world, we must embrace our metaphorical sister, Wisdom, keeping us focused on our relationship with God.
Psalm 51 (Part Three): Psalm 51:5-12
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs physical filth repulses the senses, sin ought to repulse the spirit. David's repentance depicts total immersion in sin and the critical need for God's cleansing.

How Much Does God Love Us? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsIn John 17:23, Jesus states that the Father loves every child of God as He loves Christ! The spiritual ramifications of this love are astounding.
Is Mary Worthy of Worship?
Article by David C. GrabbeThe Catholic Church places great importance on Mary, to the point that many Catholics are pushing for Mary to be recognized as 'Co-Redemptrix!