One of the most important words in the dictionary. Have you considered its importance? [Spirituality & Religion]
What is the only thing that keeps us from heaven?
Only [b]one thing[/b]. The sin nature we were all born with.
God knows we're not perfect. He understands that. He doesn't expect us to be. He loves us regardless of our shortcomings.
The truth of the matter is...Christian's are sinners, too.
By that, I mean that unbelievers do not have a corner on sin. All of us sin, saved or not. The only difference is, one has recognized that sin separates them from fellowshiping with God, and have therefore, made the choice to ask Jesus for forgiveness, which resulted in their being reunited with God, AND inheriting eternal life with Him.
Did God CREATE Adam and Eve "perfect"? Only insofar as being [i]perfect specimens of humanity, and insofar as being without sin at the moment of their creation[/i]. But they were also created with a capacity to choose their course of action. Because of their sin, they lost that innocence, thus causing the onslaught of sickness, old age and death in the life of mankind.
Adam and Eve fell to temptation and marred/tainted their nature/character, which was then passed down through the bloodline/genes, to us. This passed-on sin is known as inherited sin. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherited our sinful nature from Adam. And THAT is why we are (here's that important word) **[b]already[/b]** in a separated state from our Heavenly Father. That means if you do NOTHING, you'll STAY separated from God.
John 3:18 ~ He that believeth on him is NOT condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned [u]already[/u]. Why? Because...
SIN separates us from God. AND is the very reason WHY we need our sins forgiven....so we'll be fit for heaven...and enjoy restored fellowship with our God. That word "already", TELLS us to get ready; that action is needed on our part, if we're going to spend eternity with God one day.
Just as the state of sin [or the very nature of sin] was passed down through the disobedience of one man (Adam), salvation also is passed down through the obedience (or sacrifice) of one Man, (Jesus).
Look at this: Sin entered the world through one man, and that sinful nature brought spiritual separation and death WITH IT, to those on earth ... in this way, death spread to all people, because ALL have sinned, and....therefore fall SHORT of meeting God's holy standards for being in a state, which is FIT FOR HEAVEN.
