Does "all have sinned" refer to the imperfect traits of character people inherited but never cultivated? Or, does it refer to the ones they themselves have cultivated by sinning repetitiously?

Also, is merely having inherited and cultivated sinful traits, defects, weaknesses, imperfections, and tendencies the same thing as indulging them (acting them out in thought, word, or deed)?

What if people choose to experience rebirth and choose to abide in Jesus and partake of the divine nature and refuse to indulge them - are they guilty of sinning in the sight of God?

A character with imperfect traits (defects) is an imperfect character, whether these traits are cultivated or not.


If we are in Christ, we are perfect in Him. But our character is still sinful.

"The clearer their views of the greatness, glory, and perfection of Christ, the more vividly will they see their own weakness and imperfection. They will have no disposition to claim a sinless character; that which has appeared right and comely in themselves will, in contrast with Christ's purity and glory, appear only as unworthy and corruptible. It is when men are separated from God, when they have very indistinct views of Christ, that they say, 'I am sinless; I am sanctified.'" {RC 90.2}

I don't see how having uncultivated traits of character count as sinful or incur guilt in the sight of God.

The sinful nature of Romans 3 is part of who we are - and it is what we are putting to death in Romans 8.

What was missed in this lesson is that Romans 2 is in fact "true" it is not fiction and - Romans 2 is to the I.J what Daniel 2 is to prophecy.

in Christ,

Bob

Rosangela, do you believe inheriting traits of character is the same thing as cultivating them? Is having them equivalent to developing them? What if people refuse to nurture the trait of jealousy in a sinful way - are they guilty of being jealous in an unholy way?

PS - Jesus manifested the trait of jealousy in a holy way proving it is a trait that can cultivated unto the glory of God.

Bob, do you envision reaching a point, this side of the close of probation, where sinful flesh nature ceases to tempt and annoy?

And, would you like to elaborate on the second point you made?

If I have a quiver full of poisonous darts and arrows am I guilty of sinning if I refuse to shoot and kill someone with them?

No.


No.


We are speaking of jealosy as a sinful tendency/trait, not as a positive quality (like "our God is a jealous God").
If you fight against a tendency, say jealousy, this means that when you have thoughts of jealousy (temptation), you are led to feelings of jealousy, against which you fight. But when you are led to have feelings of jealousy you are already guilty of sin to some extent.

Do you mean when you are tempted to have feelings of jealousy? You would actually have the feelings unless you gave into the temptation, right? That is, that's what the temptation is all about, to cause you to have feelings of jealousy. So as long as you say no to the temptation, you wouldn't be guilty of sin, right?

Good to know.


Also good to know.


I believe inherited traits of character are neutral, whereas inherited tendencies (inclinations, propensities) are sinful. Whether or not a certain trait becomes sinful depends on how it is cultivated. The same trait can be cultivated in a sinless way by abiding in Jesus and partaking of the divine nature. Inherited tendencies instinctively compel people to indulge sinful tendencies which results in cultivating corresponding traits of character in sinful ways.

What do you think - If my quiver is full of poisonous darts, am I guilty of sinning if I refuse to shoot and kill someone with them? Or, am I guilty of sinning based solely on the fact my quiver is full of poisonous darts?