Mark (from Bob),
I have said nothing of original sin. The point is that you're a sinner (by your own admission) and so am I. I never said a person becomes a decent person until after their saved. In fact, we never become good people, we will always be sinners.
Whether you're a sinner because of Adam or any other reason is not the point. The point is that you are a sinner. Don't be sidetracked by the Adam thing.
You spoke of people following the tenets of religions and that would make them good people. I strongly disagree from my own feelings as a non-believer. If a person is behaving properly because their religion says to do so to be saved and they do good things, are they not performing these acts out of selfishness? After all, the only reason they are doing those "good" things is so they can be saved.
I do some good things (as defined by God, not men) - not because they will save me but because they please God. Those acts will not gain me salvation but will please God. He certainly deserves to be pleased and served. Now here's the question, whose acts of righteousness will be more pleasing to God, the ones done for their the persons own gain or the ones done by somebody who simply wants to please God.
Mark, do not be deceived by hollow doctrines based on mans philosophies or traditions, those philosophies and traditions are worldly and not Godly. Rather focus on God and specifically on Christ.
Bob |
