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My Sin Is Not as Bad as Your Sin

My Sin Is Not as Bad as Your Sin

The Bible is clear that all humans “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV84). David explained the reason this is so: Because of Adam’s sin, we are born in sin and conceived in iniquity (Psalm 51:5). This means that we all are born with a terminal condition that we did not choose and that results in destructive symptoms and eventual death if we don’t get the cure. Having this condition is not our fault, and we are not guilty for being born this way.

Imagine that an HIV-infected man and an HIV-infected woman get married and have a child who is born HIV infected; what did the child do wrong? Nothing! The child is not “guilty.” But the child still has a condition that, if not remedied, will cause sickness and death. That is the condition of every human being born since Adam sinned; we are born terminal, not guilty. Thus, the Bible says that we are “dead in trespass and sin” (Ephesians 2:1) and only have life through Jesus (Ephesians 2:5) because Jesus provides us the cure.

But when the HIV-infected child becomes an adult and persistently refuses a free remedy that would put the HIV into remission, what would happen? They would get sicker, have more symptoms, and eventually die from that condition. They would not be executed by the doctor, who provides the remedy.

This is a perfect analogy to our sin problem and the plan of salvation. We are not responsible for being born in sin; we are responsible for refusing the free remedy offered in Jesus.

Back when I was in medical school, there were no treatments for HIV and we had many patients who were dying from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). People with AIDS were all suffering from the same terminal condition—the HIV infection—but they did not all present with the same symptoms. Some had pneumonia, some went blind, others developed various lesions of the skin.

How sad would it have been if the patients with pneumonia criticized those with skin lesions, while those with the lesions criticized the blind, and the blind complained about the pneumonia patients who were constantly coughing? And how much worse would it have been if not only had the patients criticized each other for their varying symptoms but also said, “I may have a fever and cough, but at least I’m not blind” and then refused to seek treatment?

Sadly, the world today is much like this, focusing on someone else’s sin, someone else’s sickness or symptoms, as a means to ignore their own:

  • “I may have had four DUIs, but at least I don’t do drugs.”
  • “I may buy lottery tickets, but at least I don’t gamble; and I have never gone to Vegas!”
  • “I may look at porn on my computer, but at least I have never visited a prostitute.”

But this is the way of sin: denial, distortion, projection, fault finding, blaming, accusation. Jesus dealt with the same thing in His day and said to the religious leaders:

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3–5 NIV84).

We are born with a terminal condition that we did not choose, yet without treatment (God’s grace working in our hearts), it causes all kinds of symptoms—fear, selfishness, guilt, and shame—which lead us to actions meant to protect self: lying, cheating, and acting in violation of God’s design for life, His law of love. Such actions always damage the sinner, causing greater guilt, fear, and shame, and, if not healed through God’s grace, result in hardening of hearts, warping of minds, and corruption of characters. People become more selfish and less capable of clear thinking.

Because we are all born with this fear condition of selfishness, the me-first instinct, we have all acted in selfish ways (sinned). The normal response when we sin is to experience guilt, fear, and shame. These unpleasant feelings are designed to alert us that something is wrong and motivate us to seek healing. We want to make these feelings go away. The only healthy way to resolve them is through repentance and experiencing God’s grace healing the heart. We are “reborn” with new identities as children of God. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV84).

But if people refuse God, refuse to repent, refuse the remedy of Jesus, then they seek to resolve the feelings of guilt, shame, and fear through destructive means, such as: denial, distortion, projection, blame, externalization, various forms of pleasure seeking (drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, violence, thrill seeking, entertainment, etc.) designed to numb the conscience. For such sinners, truth—which would bring conviction, expose the disease, and bring to light the pathology of a character in need of healing—must be avoided.

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (John 3:19, 20 NIV84).

The wicked cannot tolerate allowing the righteous to live in peace because the lives of the righteous are lights of truth, which expose the lies and destructive practices of the wicked; this causes the wicked to experience more guilt, shame, inadequacy—even if the righteous say nothing. Guilt and shame are inherent in the sin itself, and truth exposes the deficiency of character and brings the guilt, fear, shame into consciousness, so truth must be avoided. Therefore, the wicked always seek to corrupt the righteous—to get the righteous to sin. This not only extinguishes the light of truth that exposes the sin, but it also justifies the sinner by garnering tacit validation through mutual sin-indulging behavior. If the unrepentant cannot seduce the righteous into joining them in their sin, then they seek to silence, censor, devalue, demean, or destroy the righteous—the truth must be opposed.

One form of this self-deception is combining denial of one’s own sin with projecting the wrong onto others and devaluing the righteous person. In this way, the unrepentant will accuse the righteous of being more sinful, hypocritical, or worse off than themselves. A person struggling with addiction denies they have a problem: “So I drink a little. I can stop anytime I want. That DUI was a trap.” They project their guilt and shame onto the righteous and devalue them as being a worse sinner, justifying their continued addiction: “At least I’m not a judgmental hypocrite like them.”

Jesus made the same point in His day:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God” (Luke 18:9–14 NIV84).

This trap keeps people from genuine repentance, from true healing of heart and mind, as they embrace the lie that as long as they aren’t as bad as that other person, they are okay.

Recently, I contrasted the biblical worldview and the Green worldview. I described how the Bible teaches a future in which God destroys this broken and damaged planet and replaces it with a new Earth free from all sin, disease, and defect—the home for the righteous. In contrast, the Green worldview is a godless belief that envisions a future of overpopulation, exhaustion of the planet’s resources, and death unless we act to stop it. I contrasted how the biblical worldview values people over the planet, but the Green worldview values the planet more than the people and wants to cull the population in order to save the planet. After presenting these concepts, I received the following email:

I … was interested in your comments about the far left at its extreme. … I would also like to know why you haven’t made similar comments regarding the far right, because their agenda is quite similar. The far right is also interested in decreasing the population to have an elite white society. The White-Supremacists, Skinheads, Oath Keepers, Proud Boys, and Ku Klux Klan are all quite vocal about getting rid of Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Jews and we have several House Members and Senators that are leaning in that direction. It is also interesting to note that they are perfectly happy destroying the earth as long they can get rich doing it.

Do you see it? The person is basically saying: “My Green desire to cull the population isn’t as bad as their racism—racism is more evil. At least I want to cull all ethnic groups equally.”

This person totally missed the point that I was not contrasting the political left and the political right; instead, I was contrasting the Creator God worldview with the godless evolutionary worldview. They missed the point that from a biblical worldview, it is never about race, because from God’s vantage, there is only one race—the human race—and when we are reconciled to Christ, we are all members of the heavenly family, all children of God, all heirs to the promises, restored to unity and oneness of love under one head, Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:2–29; Ephesians 1:10).

God’s plan of salvation is for every human being equally. Only those who refuse the remedy of Jesus continue to compare themselves with others and find fault in others as a means of avoiding their own guilt, fear, and shame—and this is the root of all racism.

We (the entire human race) are all dying of the same terminal sin-condition and need the same remedy (Jesus). It is a trap to look to others, finding ways to elevate ourselves above them and  criticize them as a way of feeling better about ourselves.

The only solution to our terminal sin condition is that provided by God, through Christ, and administered by the Holy Spirit. The truth about God as revealed in the life of Jesus dispels the lies from our minds and wins us back to trust. In trust, we open the heart and receive God’s love, His indwelling presence, so that “it is no longer I live but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). We experience new hearts and right spirits, love casts out fear, and we are freed from guilt and shame. Being reborn, receiving the free remedy of Jesus, we no longer seek to avoid these toxic emotions through the methods of the world, but instead choose to practice God’s methods of truth, love, and freedom. We present the truth in love and leave others free, for love never compel, it does not coerce, or force its way—love always leaves people free.

So when tempted to elevate yourself above others and criticize them for their sin symptoms—STOP! Instead, fix your eyes on Christ; see the beauty of His character, the truth of His supreme trustworthiness; open your heart in trust to Him; let His love fill you up and cast out all your fear; let Him remove all your guilt, take away all your shame, and give you a new heart—and then go forward as a new creation seeking to administer God’s healing love to others.

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Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA