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Leonard White's avatar

I like your statement that sin is not to be treated as an abstract quality separate from the person. They are both entwined. There’s also the concept of Heaven and Hell. If God loved the sinner there would be no concept of Hell or eternal punishment. A very thoughtful post.

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Matthew C. Wellmann's avatar

Thank you 🙏🏻

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Christian's avatar

All of us are sinners who deserve eternal damnation, but Almighty God offers free redemption from our wickedness through Jesus Christ. We must repent of our sins and follow Jesus Christ.

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Matthew C. Wellmann's avatar

Amen!

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Dr. J. S. NaDoli's avatar

Sin is death. Dead men do not cry out for God. Only God saves. Fear God, He does not send sin to hell, He sends sinners.

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Lucas Nascario's avatar

Well stated!

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Nate Brasells's avatar

Great article! Thanks for sharing this perspective on this phrase.

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Matthew C. Wellmann's avatar

Thank you!

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rick parham's avatar

right on

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Bob Hannaford's avatar

I am very comfortable with that phrase, “God loves the sinner, but hates the sin.“

I believe that all humans are sinners while they are on this earth. Christian or not.

As Christians, we will continue to sin until we are perfected on the last day. Therefore, by definition, we are also sinners.

God loves every person; “For God so loved the world....” I do not accept the theological gymnastics of some who say, “God really only loves those within the world of those He ends up saving.”

Love that is worthy of the name, is all about action. This is the way that God demonstrates his love for us; for the world.

God provides salvation for all those who will accept it; “....that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.“

It is not, however, just clever theological gymnastics to say, “Those who did not accept God send themselves to hell.” That is essentially what is happening. A person chooses God or by default, they choose the only alternative.

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Eric Graap's avatar

I’m not sure what the term SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT means. Please clarify.

BTW, very helpful article.

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Matthew C. Wellmann's avatar

Thank you! Substitutionary atonement means that Christ suffered on the cross as a substitute for the sins of mankind and took the wrath of God upon himself. Man, as a sinner, deserves death and damnation, but Christ takes his place and suffers the punishment that is actually due to him. This fulfills God's justice because sin is atoned for, while at the same time his mercy is revealed as the believer is acquitted.

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Eric Graap's avatar

Thank you for explanation. Again, your article really helped.

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Te Reagan's avatar

It’s hard for the sinner to believe they will be forgiven. Even when they come to the cross many will come with so much shame that redemption seems impossible.

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