I have heard it said often recently that sin is anytime we get our identity from (or seek our identity in) anything or anyone other than our creator God and our savior Jesus Christ. These statements are nearly always given not an example of sin but as it's definition.
I bristle a bit when I hear this. Should I? I understand the reality this saying is seeking to convey; but I'd be more comfortable saying that such are examples of sin, probably because as a definition it is lacking reference to God's law. The confessions say it well; any violation of or want of conformity to the law of God. But the way I have heard it put these days avoids mention of the law altogether and highlights personal trust and identity. A more subjective/internal/psychological approach in accordance with the spirit of the age perhaps; without that nasty 'L' word?
But even prominent and respected teachers utilize this sort of language so I wonder if I'm over analyzing it; is it a subtle shift in an unprofitable direction with potentially dangerous consequences? Or is it just another way of describing sin that helps shed light on our core duty to trust our Heavenly Father?
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I bristle a bit when I hear this. Should I? I understand the reality this saying is seeking to convey; but I'd be more comfortable saying that such are examples of sin, probably because as a definition it is lacking reference to God's law. The confessions say it well; any violation of or want of conformity to the law of God. But the way I have heard it put these days avoids mention of the law altogether and highlights personal trust and identity. A more subjective/internal/psychological approach in accordance with the spirit of the age perhaps; without that nasty 'L' word?
But even prominent and respected teachers utilize this sort of language so I wonder if I'm over analyzing it; is it a subtle shift in an unprofitable direction with potentially dangerous consequences? Or is it just another way of describing sin that helps shed light on our core duty to trust our Heavenly Father?
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