Understanding Your Religion

The Bible provides a history of our relationship with God written over a period of approximately 1400 years by many authors in different places. There is no conflict in their writing. The Bible also provides details of people, time, places and events that later science and archeology confirm but are not confirmed in other records.

Answers will vary depending on what learners feel best describes similarities to God. The answers should point to intangible qualities and character similarities.

We are an independent thinking creation with the ability to make moral choices and not simply just react from instinct. We also possess the ability to do good and create.

We can also change the direction of our lives.

The intent of this question is to summarize the perfect environment for God's greatest creation before sin entered our world.

God created all the elements of time, space and matter as described in Genesis 1. Once everything was in place for man's survival and growth, God created mankind and placed them in a perfect environment. God also had a direct relationship with mankind.

Answers will vary. Emphasize misusing the power to choose rather than the actual event itself.

• Rebellion (disobedience)
• Shame (hiding from God)
• Anger (blaming Eve and not accepting responsibility)
• Loss of innocence and love (defensive attitude)

I Samuel 15 – Saul's disobedience of God. Why did God reject Saul? Saul did not repent nor accept responsibility.

II Samuel 11 – David and Bathsheba. Why did God forgive David? David repented and accepted responsibility.

Speculate why God punished Adam and Eve rather than forgive them and what can we learn from this?

Adam and Eve did not display a repentant attitude. It is possible that had they recognized their sin and accepted responsibility that God would have taken a different action. Of course, there are consequences for sin (David's family problems) but God promises to forgive when we repent (I John 1:5-10).

Original sin

Adam's fall produced a human nature incapable of choosing good or responding to God in faith – without the direct intervention of the Holy Spirit one is incapable of obeying God. We are born guilty of Adam's sin and helpless to do anything about it.

Infant baptism and baptism for the dead

If one is born with sin then one must be saved immediately. Note: The time period of when this misinterpretation began was marked by a high infant mortality rate. Baptism of the dead, on the other hand, stemmed from a belief that one could be saved through the faith of another.

Predestination/Arbitrary Election

This false doctrine teaches that God chose in advance those who would be lost and those who would be saved. If one is unable to respond to the gospel then how could anyone be saved? One can determine one's state of salvation by one's progression in improvement of moral character. This also supports the idea of "wait and see" before baptism and the idea of baptism not being necessary for salvation.

God wants everyone to be saved and refuses none who come to Him. God created within us the ability to choose. It is, therefore, within our power to respond to God and accept His salvation. We cannot save ourselves nor were we predestined by God as saved or unsaved. There is a difference between God's omniscience (He knows all in advance) and forcing His creation to choose him. In other words, God knows in advance what we will freely choose. One does not conflict or contradict the other.