While attending a Bible study, the group leader attempted to simplify the Christian faith by saying, “We are bad. God is good. And Jesus came so we can be in a right relationship with God.”
I took exception to his first statement, “We are bad,” and set off a controversy.
Here’s the gist of my position that we are inherently good:
When I read Genesis 1:26–31, it says God made us in his image and likeness male and female. We were given work to do as stewards and ample provision, and blessed. When God was finished on the sixth day he said, “it was very good.” Next in Genesis 2, he places Adam and Eve in the garden, but by Genesis 3, they commit the Original Sin, which is why we need Jesus Christ as the mediator and redeemer. All that action takes place in the first few pages of my Bible. That means the rest of this book is all about God’s efforts to make us right again with him.
My point was that in our DNA and spirit we were made good, and due to the Fall and our free will we are inflicted with a sinful streak that causes bad decisions and behaviors. God made us good; therefore, we are good by design and flawed by choices (Adam’s, Eve’s, and ours).
Please voice your opinion by commenting at the On-Purpose Planet, our online membership community. If you’re not already a member, there’s a 14-day trial membership. In the coming weeks, we’ll continue to explore this “Bad or Good” topic as I see it as vital to our spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing and identity.
Be On-Purpose!
Kevin
