The Root of the Problem: Chapter 3 – Failing to See Sin for What It Is (Excerpt)

The consequences and punishment for sin are too great for God to simply allow us to suffer this fate without any hope of escape. As horrible as Jesus’ death on the cross was, we stand to face something far worse than crucifixion – an eternal separation from God in a place filled with agony and pain. This is what we are due for our sin.

Sin is not to be taken lightly. God knows how terrible the wages of sin are, so He was willing to watch His only begotten Son suffer. Jesus clearly understood the severity of sin in that He was willing to lay down His life for us. We must recognize what sin is and remove it from our lives. (p. 14-15)

You can read more about the consequences and punishment for sin in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

The Root of the Problem: Chapter 2 – “We’re Only Human” (Excerpt)

Man has repeatedly shown a preference to sin – some on occasion, some perpetually. But everyone has done it. When considering this fact, many get discouraged, thinking that there must be no way to overcome sin. “We’re only human” is the excuse that is given (as if this somehow justifies one’s actions).

One of the fundamental tenets of Calvinism is the inherent sinfulness of man. Calvin’s doctrine of total depravity is the belief that we are born in such a state that we are totally corrupt, inclined toward sin, and unable to do what is right on our own. The doctrine states that one cannot even come to God without a direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon his heart.

Yet the Bible teaches something very different than Calvin. “God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). When we sin, it is because we choose to sin. It is not because we are unable to help ourselves since God failed to do something that would keep us from sinning. Calvin’s doctrine takes the blame for sin away from the one who commits it and places it upon God for not regenerating the sinner.

It is true that we are human. But this is not an excuse for sin. Granted, as long as we live, we will have the potential to sin. But that does not excuse or justify it. We still must make the choice: to do good or do evil. (p. 6-7)

You can read more about the pursuit of perfection in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

Read Excerpts from Our Book

The Root of the Problem (cover)This past Friday we posted an excerpt from the first chapter of our new book, The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. If you haven’t read it yet, you can find it here — Chapter 1: The Problem of Sin.

We plan to post an excerpt from each chapter every Friday. Later this week you will be able to read an excerpt from Chapter 2: “We’re Only Human.” Then check back each Friday for the latest updates.

You can come back and view excerpts from past weeks by clicking on the ‘Excerpts‘ link at the bottom of the page. And of course, if you would like to purchase a copy of the book, you can do so at the following link — The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome.

The Root of the Problem: Chapter 1 – The Problem of Sin (Excerpt)

… Jesus’ work in dealing with sin was not limited simply to His providing forgiveness. Forgiveness is certainly important – it is essential, in fact, for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). When we are forgiven, then through the grace of God we no longer stand to face the penalty for the sins we have committed. Those transgressions will not be remembered against us anymore. Thanks be to God for this fact!

But there is something else that Jesus provides for us in His death. It carries with it a charge that we have been given. Besides forgiveness of sins, Jesus also gives us freedom from sin.

Many do not understand this gift of freedom that Jesus has given. They desire forgiveness, but they also want to continue in their sin. They want the benefits of God’s grace without the responsibility of service to Christ… (p. 2)

You can read more about our freedom from the bondage of sin and our responsibility to remove sin from our lives in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

New Affiliate Program

We are excited to announce the launch of the new Gospel Armory Affiliate program. The program is free and open to anyone who wishes to join. By becoming an affiliate, you can earn 10% or more from purchases made by someone you referred.

Becoming an affiliate is easy. If you already have a Paypal account, then all you need to do is sign-up for our affiliate program and receive your unique affiliate link through which you can direct people to our site. You can use that link to promote our products and get paid a percentage for every sale made from someone who clicks on your link.

The minimum payment for affiliate sales is 10%. But for a limited time, you can receive 15% for sales of our first book, The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome.

To find out more about our new affiliate program, or to sign-up, visit our Affiliates page.

UPDATE (03.15.11): Suspending the Affiliate Program