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NASB | 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 1:9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. |
Bible Question:
I have a qustion that I have researched a lot, but I haven't found an answer that puts the mystery to rest. This question came to me while in psychology class in college: There was a story of a man who was a foreman in the railroad construction business. He was well liked. His personality was described as warm, very friendly, and he would never utter a curse word. One day there was an accident on the worksite where an iron rod was driven through his skull. He survived, but he had some brain damage. His personality went sour. Every other word out of his mouth was a curse. His personality changed so drastically that everybody hated him after the accident. He not only cursed a lot but he also became a crook. Not a day would go by that he wouldn't try to steal or pick a fight. This made me really think. What if he was a very devout christian, or even a priest, then he suffered this accident. Would he be accountable to God for his sins even if his personality change was due to physical damage to his brain? I am a bit confused on the subject and would really appreciate any light you can shed on this. And what about those that are born with severe mental retardation? Thank you very much!!! John K. |
Bible Answer: John There are a couple things that need to be remembered in answering this question. 1. Ours is a God of mercy 2. Sin is an intentional act against God made by the free will of man. God is a compassionate Being who is wise enough to understand that actions, which are a direct result of injury or sickness and not controllable by man, are neither an act of free will nor is it an intentional insult against God. It is our hope, that some portion of that man is capable of understanding and loving God. God will use mercy and understanding in judging this person. Brian |