Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Christ: Our Remedy to Sin!

Christ: Our Remedy to Sin!

I have often heard it said that Christ brought the cure for sin, but no one has ever answered these questions satisfactorily for me. Can you spell out in details for me exactly what the cure for sin is

and how does one apply it to one’s life in order to remove fear and selfishness. How did Christ demonstrate this cure in His life during His stay on earth? Why aren’t we taking this cure so we can be better people? Please address this in one of your blogs.

D


Wow, what great questions, right to the heart of the issue. But before we can understand the “cure,” we must first understand the problem. What is the problem that sin caused that the plan of salvation is designed to fix? How we answer this question colors our interpretation of everything God has done. If we answer, “the problem is God’s law – the law was broken and breaking God’s law offends His holy character and His righteousness requires Him to impose appropriate legal penalties so that justice might be satisfied and forgiveness granted” then we interpret all Christ did in a certain commonly taught model.

But, when Adam sinned, did God get changed in some fashion? Was Christ’s death necessary to somehow fix God, assuage His wrath, appease His anger, pay a legal debt to the law, or to God? Or, when Adam sinned, did Adam actually get changed? Was mankind altered by sin in such a way that our actual condition became terminal unless Christ reversed what sin had done?

The Bible tells us that human beings were created in God’s image, perfect and sinless, but, since the fall, all humans are “born in sin / conceived in iniquity” (Gen 1:26-31, Ps 51:5). Something changed in human kind when Eve believed Satan’s lies. Here is how another Christian author put it (all bold emphasis is supplied by me):

Eve believed the words of Satan, and the belief of that falsehood in regard to God’s character, changed the condition and character of both herself and husband. They were changed from good and obedient children into transgressors, and it was only by repentance toward God and faith in the promised Messiah that they could hope ever to regain the lost image of God. — Review & Herald, January 5, 1886, par. 8

What were Adam and Eve hoping for by repentance and faith in the promised Messiah? That God would forgive? That their penalty would be paid? That God’s anger would be appeased? No, that they would be restored back to God’s original ideal – perfectly restored to His image!

And what does it mean to be in God’s image? “God is love” (1John 4:8). When Adam and Eve sinned they were no longer beings who operated upon the principle of perfect love. Once Adam and Eve sinned, their very natures were changed, psychologically, neurologically, biologically, genetically, such that, without divine intervention, their condition was incompatible with life. In other words, their condition was terminal. (John 5:24, Gal 6:8, James 1:15)

Why?

All life in the universe is created to operate only in harmony with God’s law of love. God’s law of love is the design template for life. The Scripture tells us love is the principle of “giving,” of beneficence, of other-centered selfless regard and this love originates in God (1Cor 13:5, John 15:13, John 3:16, 1John 3:16, 1John 4:8, Romans 1:20). Mankind was created in God’s image to love freely, without selfishness or fear. But lies believed broke the circle of love and trust and resulted in fear and selfishness taking root in the human heart. Fear and selfishness is commonly known as “survival of the fittest.”

The Bible refers to the survival-of-the-fittest instinct as “the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). It is Satan’s infection to God’s creation. It is the principle that is the opposite of love and at war with God’s law of love. This concept is stated succinctly below:

All sin is selfishness. Satan’s first sin was a manifestation of selfishness. He sought to grasp power, to exalt self. A species of insanity led him to seek to supersede God. And the temptation that led Adam to sin was Satan’s declaration that it was possible for man to attain to something more than he already enjoyed, possible for him to be as God Himself. The sowing of seeds of selfishness in the human heart was the first result of the entrance of sin into the world. — Workers’ Bulletin, September 9, 1902, par. 3

A metaphor of the law of love is breathing. With every breath we give away CO2 to the plants and the plants give back O2, a perfect circle of free giving which life is designed to operate upon – the law of love in action. If, however, one is “selfish” and hoards his body’s CO2 by putting a plastic bag over his head, the result is death. Selfishness ends life; love is the basis of life.

When Adam and Eve sinned, love, which had been written in their hearts, was replaced with Satan’s law of survival of the fittest. This drive to survive is so strong that humanity alone cannot overcome it. Only divine power can reverse this situation and restore the law of love into the human being. But this had to be done in a human brain. Christ came to achieve this, to remove Satan’s law and restore God’s law of love in the species human!

Christ, in His human brain, was tempted in every way just as we are yet was without sin (Heb 4:15). In Christ’s human brain He destroyed all Satan had worked to achieve (Heb 2:14, 2Tim 1:10, 1John 3:8). Christ, in His human brain, destroyed the survival-of-the-fittest instinct, perfectly restored the law of love, and thereby cured the human condition. He, therefore, became “the source of salvation for all who obey him” (Heb 5:8). Below are some quotes that describe this beautifully:

The atonement of Christ is not a mere skillful way to have our sins pardoned; it is a divine remedy for the cure of transgression and the restoration of spiritual health. It is the Heaven-ordained means by which the righteousness of Christ may be not only upon us but in our hearts and characters (Letter 406, 1906). — 6 Bible Commentary, 1074.2

In assuming human nature, that he might reach to the very depths of human woe and misery and lift man up, Christ has shown what estimate he places upon the human race. In this work everything was at stake. Satan claimed to be the lawful owner of the fallen race; and with what persistent effort did he seek to overthrow Christ through his subtilty! It was only by the most desperate conflict with the powers of Satan that Christ could accomplish his purpose of restoring the almost obliterated image of God in man, and place his own signature upon his forehead. It was a desperate battle; for Satan had so long worked in league with human intelligencies as to almost completely intercept every ray of light shining from the throne of God upon the human mind. The cross of Calvary alone could destroy the works of the devil. In that wondrous sacrifice all eyes were called to ‘behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’ The love of Christ kindles in the heart of all who continue to behold him. — General Conference Daily Bulletin, March 2, 1897, par. 17<

In the beginning, man was created in the likeness of God, not only in character, but in form and feature. Sin defaced and almost obliterated the divine image; but Christ came to restore that which had been lost. — Great Controversy, pg. 645

Weakened through sin, we can not of ourselves keep the law of God. But Christ came to our world to restore the moral image of God in men, and to bring them back from the path of disobedience to a path of obedience. His mission to the world was to reveal the character of God by living the law, which is the foundation of his government; and those who will accept him as their personal Saviour will grow in grace, and in his strength will be enabled to obey the law of God. — Signs of the Times, February 11, 1897, par. 15

In the person of Jesus, selfishness – survival of the fittest – was destroyed and perfect HUMAN character was developed. In Jesus, humanity was restored back to God’s original design. Through His life, Christ developed a perfect human character and, at the cross, He completed His work of perfecting humanity by destroying the infection of selfishness (fallen nature). It is Christ’s perfect character which we receive via the work of the Holy Spirit, which heals and transforms us! We actually become “partakers of the divine nature!” (2Pet 1:4).

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. — John 16:13-15

What is it that Christ has that we need? A perfect character in harmony with God’s law of love. He writes His law in our hearts and the law is a transcript of His character:

This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. — Heb 8:10

The law requires righteousness,–a righteous life, a perfect character; and this man has not to give. He cannot meet the claims of God’s holy law. But Christ, coming to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. More than this, Christ imbues men with the attributes of God. He builds up the human character after the similitude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer in Christ. God can “be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Rom. 3:26. — Desire of Ages, pg. 762.2

The Lord Jesus loves His people, and when they put their trust in Him, depending wholly upon Him, He strengthens them. He will live through them, giving them the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to the soul a vital transfusion of Himself. He acts through their faculties and causes them to choose His will and to act out His character. With the apostle Paul they then may say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). — That I May Know Him, pg. 78.4

How do we experience this remedy?

We must understand enough truth about God, as revealed by Jesus, to genuinely trust Him. When we trust Him and choose Him, we open our hearts and invite Him in and the Holy Spirit dwells again in His Temple (our hearts and minds). The Holy Spirit takes all Christ achieved and actually reproduces it in us. Our thoughts, desires, and motives are brought into harmony with God’s. He is the Vine and we are the branches. Connected to Him, through trust (faith), we are infused with His very life and it is no longer sinful you and me living, but Christ living in us. This is our remedy to sin – a faith based union with Christ in which the Holy Spirit dwells in the heart!

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

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 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 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South 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 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

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