Is Sin Natural?
By Chris Hill
When someone says that lying is natural, you can be sure they are suggesting to you that sin is normal. As follows, if this notion is legit, then it must also be true that speaking lies would incur no shame, ill feelings or guilt as the conscience of man would not recognize this error, since its practice would be apart of human nature. (Rom. 2:14-15). Yet, if we are honest with our selves (which would be impossible given the presupposition that we are ALL avid liars from birth onward!), we will quickly admit that in times past, bearing false witness against others or simply suppressing the truth in pivotal matters caused us to feel wretched and miserable inside as we knew something to be factual and instead remained silent about it or opted out for the fable. (note: i say in times past in regards to genuine believers who are no longer in bondage to the "father of lies", that is, the devil (Jn. 8:44) as they have "put away lying" and now ONLY speak the truth with their neighbors (Eph. 4:25). Unfortunately, heaps and heaps of false preachers (who most of you believe to be genuine and "full of the Holy Ghost!") have arisen under the umbrella of "Christianity" who are tickling the itching ears of the masses in our day that are seeking to be in touch with God and His righteousness, while continuing to live lives of hypocrisy! (lying signs and wonders rule the pulpits and internet of our day!) Without a doubt, the Prophets of old warned us of these pseudo instructors when they said: "Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and you have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he does not turn from his wicked way to save his life" (Ezk. 13:22). (What more could 'strengthen the hands of the wicked' then telling them that lying is natural?) Unless we suppose that the nature of men under the Old Covenant is different from the New, we must assume that a lie continues to be a lie and that the false teachers continue to tell them instead of turn your from them! (2 Pet. 2:1-3; Jude 3-4) (If there is any doubt in your mind that human nature in the NT is not the same as the OT, take the time to read Jas. 5:17 which says, "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours.")
In times past I have heard varying illustrations from the pulpit that are aimed at giving support to the idea that man is a liar by nature, which means on the one hand he can't help it and on the other he is not responsible for it. (Talk about some great news!!!) Think about. How could anyone be held accountable for something they can't help? Impossible! (This is one reason WHY the repentance message of modern day Evangelicals has nothing to do with ceasing from vice, since you can't turn or forsake the sin that dwells in your nature!) Maybe the most common illustration used in today's pulpit is the conjecture that a child does not have to be taught how to lie, since they are "born" with a nature of sin within them that "actually" makes them tell fibs. Many have alluded to such an illustration in hopes to prove that infant children are shapen in iniquity and conceived with hereditary depravity. (Depravity is simply another words for wickedness, it is employed to make wickedness sound more like a disease than a choice!) This seems to be the basic explanation from those who have been associated with the church system for many years. Sin is something you are, as opposed to something you do. (To deny this is to undermine the true nature of sin, in their minds!) Human nature is understood to be sinful all together, inclined towards sin only, and incapable of doing any virtue apart from salvation with God. (In other words, man can only sin until he is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, which means, you must get saved in your sins before you can depart from iniquity!)
When examining this subject, it is very important that you determine what is sin? This is significant. Why? Because, until we define what Biblical (or in this case New Testament) sin is, we will not be able to fully grasp the matter at hand. For starters, it is quite simple; the Bible refers to sin as "transgression of the law" (1 Jn. 3:4). In other words, sin is committed when one "knows"? to do right and instead does wrong (Jas. 4:17). These are two definite passages of Scripture that show sin is "transgression of known law". The question now becomes, if sin is transgression, that is, a choice, then how can sin be birth? The answer is it can't! If one is born a sinner, then how can we suppose this same individual can become a sinner again at a later time? Nonsense! Likewise, if man is a sinner by choice, then it follows that he must have reached an age of knowledge and have the ability to make a decision of his own accord, which then means that sin can no longer be birth or the condition one is born in. These two are opposites that cannot co-exist together without contradicting God given reason. Sin is either natural or transgression of nature, that is, choice or necessity, never both! I understand that many hold to confessions and teach man is born with a nature of sin within the body that lays dormant until the age of reason, therefore denying the imputation of guilt, then springs forth and necessitates the person to sin against God by force, however, I think it is clear that if we are born with this diseased stuff that indwells us, then sin continues to not be a choice, but instead, nature, which means it would be natural and eliminate the freedom of the will. Get this wrong and nothing else will make sense. (see Babies-Those Awful Creatures!)
In the Bible, sin is shown to be "birthed" (not through natural reproduction, concupiscence or conception) but "when each one is tempted and drawn away by their own desires and enticed. It is only when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, then when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (Jas. 1:14-15) This is how spiritual death occurs, which refutes the common understanding of sin being inherited and charged to babies at birth. (Notice the above passage said that desire must first be conceived in the heart PRIOR to sin being charged, which means, mere temptation is not sin in itself, yet, submission to the impulse would be) Many, nay, most have often sought to justify this belief by adducing Old Testament Scriptures where which, a doctrine of original sin cannot be located! (Judaism, where Christianity sprang from, never taught that sin can be inherited, instead, they have always affirmed that man retains the ability to submit to "yetzer tov" (moral conscience) or "yetzer ra" (natural instincts)). Psalms 51:5 is normally called upon to advocate such a dreadful decree. There, King David said, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me." From this, the conclusion is drawn that man is born a sinner, yet, such an interpretation is far from the truth and invalid when compared to other Scriptures. (See"What About David's Mother?) First, sin is not a substance or a thing (as preachers who teach sin is natural would have you believe, which means it cannot be passed down in the physical sense). Secondly, David is not referring to his sin, but instead, that of his mother's. Thirdly, being born in sin could be easily understood as being born into a sinful world. (Satan is said to be the "prince of the power of the air" in Eph. 2:2, and that "the whole world lies under his sway" (1 Jn. 5:19). And lastly, it is abundantly clear that David did not say that sin was born inside of him, but instead, that he was born in it. Think of it like this. Most in our day are born inside of hospitals right? Of course. If you were to explain to someone you were born in "Good Samaritan Hospital", would you say that the hospital was born inside of you or that you were born inside the hospital? Surely, the hospital was not born within you (as it defies reason), which means, you were born in the hospital. Likewise was David born, that is, not in sin, but into a sinful world. (Take heed that David said in the Psalms that he was "fearfully and wonderfully made," which refutes the doctrine of original sin and the idea of him (and the entire human race) being born a sinner. Psa. 139:13-14)
Another proof text that is called upon to prove the existence of sin in a solid form is Psalms 58:3, which says, "The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies." Before one jumps to conclusions, they must first examine this passage in the concept of reality. Ask yourself, can babies talk? The answer is nay, which means, they are not literally born speaking lies. This passage (like Psalms 51:5-8) must be understood as hyperboles or exaggerated expressions (which is consistent throughout the Psalms, just read them and see!) Further proof of this misapplied Scripture is seen when reading this Psalm with surrounding verses, namely verse 6, which says, "Break their teeth in their mouth, O God!" (Psa. 58:3-6) If one wishes to continue to misuse the Prophets expression in our day (that he was speaking of new born babies), then they must also now affirm that babies are born with "teeth" and that God breaks them immediately! Outrageous! (See The Doctrine of Original Sin Biblically Refuted)Switching to the New Testament, those who seek to prove the ancient sin of the first parents has been transmitted to their posterity through natural prorogation or imputation use the following passages in hopes of proving man is born a sinner, which means, he is incapable of repenting of his sin and obeying God (can you start to see why this doctrine is highly accepted and held up in such high regard? As long as people embrace it, they are not accountable for anything they do or don't do!). Keep in mind that the apostle Paul, whom they rely on much, was "circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews," by this I mean, he was a Jew. (Phil 3:5) Like the early Christians (who were Jews!) this doctrine of "natural sin" was unheard of and untaught! (as seen when studying early Church history as well as the Scriptures!)
"For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive." (1 Cor. 15:21-22)
This passage is surely referencing the "resurrection of the dead" as opposed to the state of a new born babe. It says in Adam all die (referencing physical death of the human race due to being separated from the tree of life through his transgression in the garden- Gen. 3:22-24) and in Christ believers shall be (future tense) made alive (Rev. 22:14). This is simply showing our human bodies decay due to Adam's initial disobedience. Like Eve, who was taken from Adams rib (Gen. 3:21), we, his physical offspring, come from his loins. However, sin is not transmitted with the body as our souls come from God in an innocent state. (Ezk. 18:4; Isa. 57:16; Zech. 12:1) Therefore, it is physical death through the first Adam (along with physical curses, not moral - Gen. 3:16-19) and physical life (glorified body) through the last Adam, which is Christ.
"Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12) (Webmaster's note: The word "have" indicates an activity on every individual's part. Sin is voluntary. All that have sinned are the ones who have sinned, all who have broken God's law.)
This passage is dealing with the death that came upon the first parents, "in the day" when they sinned against God. (Gen. 2:15-17) Was it physical or spiritual death the Lord spoke of is the question at hand? According to the ancient account, we know that Adam lived some 930 years after he originally sinned against the Lord (Gen. 5:5), which means, spiritual death is the apostle's aim. According to Paul, spiritual death passed to all men because all have sinned after the similitude of Adam's original transgression. (Today's prevalent covenant theologies, whether it be "federal head" or "natural head" were not present in early Christianity, which shows the ancient believers held to no such views.) Some continue to teach to this very hour that we sin because our souls are derived from sinful Adam and propagated with the body through natural reproduction -- so that sin is passed down, nay, enlodged in the soul and flesh from conception. However, if this theory is accurate, we must ponder how "one man" (as Paul put it in Rom. 5:12) could propagate sin through souls by natural reproduction without a female partner? (You know, the "mother of all living," Eve) The answer simple if you will receive it. He could not have, which means, if the apostle was teaching that sins are propagated by generation through natural reproduction or imputation (as many understand Rom. 5:12) he would have had to say "as by TWO persons" instead of one! (Note: for one person can indeed present and example for imitation, but is NOT enough for propagation!) Let's not forget that sin is a moral choice (in the Bible!) and not a substance; therefore, it can only be imitated as opposed to inherited. (Be sure to note that Paul said "death," not sin, spread to all men, "because all have sinned" (Rom. 3:23 & 5:12)) It is the spirit of man that immediately dies and communion and is separated from God through sin, not the body. (Gen. 2:17; Isa. 59:2; Lk. 15:24,32; 1 Tim. 5:6) Think about it for a minute. If physical death was a result of our own sin, then all would drop dead and decease the moment they sin against God! (This is not what happened to the first parents in the garden, and as we see, this is not what happens to us!)
"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others." (Eph. 2:3)
Portions of this verse are used to support that sin is natural as humans are born children of wrath by nature. However, if we read this passage in its full context (Eph. 2:1-3) we will discover that Paul understood a children of wrath as an individual who had "once walked according to the course of this world (which means they could WALK which newborn babies cannot!) and fulfilled the desires of the flesh and of the mind." (Col. 1:21) This is how one becomes, as Paul put it, "dead in sin" (Eph. 2:1 & 1 Tim. 5:6) When he spoke of this being our way of life "by nature," he did not mean to say that this is a result of our mere birth, instead, he was referring to a mode of feeling and acting which by long habit has become nature. Like Peter who said, "aimless conduct is received by tradition from your fathers" (1 Pet. 1:18). Sin is moral and originates with the will, which means, it brings one into bondage through a habitual repetition of its practice! (Lying is not inborn, but learned!) Keep in mind that Paul also said, in Romans 2:14, "the Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law." Now, if Paul understood our moral nature to be corrupt and evil continually from birth, then how could he state that Gentiles use this very nature to do the things contained in the law? Wouldn't the Gentiles nature not allow this action? Sin is habit that originates with a choice, not a nature that necessitates vice.
What I am trying to show you is that sin is not a natural part of human nature, instead, sin is a choice. The Bible confirms that "God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes" (Ecc. 7:29). (Some imply this is strictly referring to the first man Adam, yet, the preacher said "they" (not he, Adam) have sought out many schemes!) Even when evaluating Genesis 6:5 which says, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Some will imply this is the way we are born, yet, if we read just a couple verses more we see what Moses was explaining. Verse 12 of Genesis 6 says, "So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth." Who corrupted their ways? Flesh (man) or God? Clearly it was man who had committed wickedness against God, yet, this wickedness was not total as Noah was found upright, that is, "a just man who walked with God and was PERFECT in his generations."(Gen.6:9) How could this be if we are all born with a nature that makes us transgress God? Impossible! (Note: Some use these passages in an attempt to prove that man must be imputed with a foreign righteousness in order for God to look upon them since He cannot look on sin, yet, this passage shows "the Lord saw the wickedness of man was great," which means, the doctrine of imputed righteousness, as taught today, is a fallacy!) Furthermore, if we read on, we will discover that in Genesis 8:21, it says, "And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, 'I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth." Notice this verse says that man's heart is evil from youth, not birth!
Hopefully you can start to see that men and women who teach that man is a sinner by nature (or birth) are not correctly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). I understand it may seem that children are born with negative actions as they cry, scream, bite, tease, hide, kick, fuss and so on and so forth; however, according to the Scriptures this is a result of the body maturing and world around them. Kids copycat things they see and hear, so if they hear people lying, they are going to lie, just like, if they hear their parents cussing, they will also cuss, etc. (by this I mean it's through imitation they learn these traits as a lot of this depends on the parents involvement in discipline for sure, who can doubt it?) Nevertheless, some may still argue that kids do sinful things. To this I cannot disagree, they are truly ungodly. (Note how strange it is that those who teach we are all born sinners, also teach that Christ only shed His blood on the cross for a select few, when the Scripture plainly declares that the Lord died for the ungodly, which according to the doctrine of original sin is everyone! Rom. 5:6) No matter what our personal opinions may be in regards to why kids do what they do, we must seek answers from the Bible (if we are to avoid error) and let it be our guide! (1 Thess. 5:21) To the surprise of many, the Bible plainly teaches an age of accountability with God. For example, the Scriptures say:
"Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings." (Isa. 7:15-16)
"Moreover your little one and your children, who you say will be victims, who today have no knowledge of good and evil, they shall go in there; to them I will give it, and they shall possess it." (Deut. 1:39)
"Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." (Jas. 4:17)
The apostle Paul gives us another example of the age of accountability: "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, 'You shall not covet.' But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died." (Rom. 7:7-9)
What these passages show is that sin comes with knowledge, which means, until the mind is able to discern between right and wrong, the conscience is not guilty before God. (I dare not provide a certain age as the Bible is somewhat silent on the matter, yet, I can reassure you that the age of reason is not birth!) Now, since babies are not born with knowledge, then we must ask, how are they born with sin? What is the nature of their sin? (Remember, sin is transgression of known law per James. 4:17 & 1 Jn. 3:4) How much clearer could the apostle be when he informed us that sin is DEAD without law! (sin does not live in infants, okay!) He, Paul, would also go on to explain conclusively in Romans 4:15 that "the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression." In Romans 5:13, he reveals, "sin is not imputed when there is no law." And in Romans 3:20, he says, "law brings about the 'KNOWLEDGE' of sin" (Rom. 3:20) Again, remember what the Bible says in regards to sin. "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." (1 Jn. 3:4 - KJV) Therefore, we must understand that new born infant toddlers are born amoral, that is neutral and innocent. No sin or righteous is present within human nature as those actions relate to morals and not metaphysics. What this means is that babies who are aborted or who die in infancy without receiving the sacrament of baptism do not burn in hell, but abide in heaven! (The doctrine of original sin puts sin in the nature, and therefore must put babies in hell -i.e the dreadful decree - as the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23)!) What an awful charge this doctrine of "natural sin" has imposed upon God. As if He is some tyrant like monster who throws babies into the fire that is never quenched for a sin they did not even commit! (Ezk. 18:20???) What reproach upon God men have brought! All who have any reason or logic in their brain, must confess, this is a hard saying to receive, yet, they will hold onto this decree for dear life since if its not true, then it must also not be true that new borns are infected with sin. How strange it is that so many continue to cling to this false notion when the Master (God in the flesh!) so clearly taught:
"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 18:3)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 19:14)Outrageous as this discussion may seem to you who have not searched the Scriptures for yourselves, we must understand that more than less who attend the modern day churches abroad have embraced doctrines that are not derived from the Bible. (A lot of people are unaware of theological terminology, but nevertheless, are sold out to the doctrines delivered to them by their preachers.) Under the present day teaching, the doctrine of natural sin has eliminated the age of reason and denied infant the innocence of infant children the Scripture provides them with God. As Romans 1 points out, sin goes against man's nature (especially homosexuality!), which means, it's not natural in any way! Again, let me re-state that homosexuality is not natural and will exclude you from the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Committing murder is not natural and hating your brother is equated to murder in the Scripture (1 Jn. 3:15). Consenting to adultery is not natural (this is why people, religious or not, cover it up! Gal. 5:19-21). And surely, lying is not natural. The Bible declares that "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who speaks lies" is an abomination to the Lord (Pro. 6:16-19) Exodus 20:16 says, "Thou shall not bear false witness" (9th Commandment). While Revelation 21:8 confirms, "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." It is clear that "a false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish" (Pro. 19:9) To tell lies is at your own peril, the Bible warns, you will surely die!
Let's also understand that Paul instructed regenerated believers to "not let sin reign in their mortal bodies" (Rom. 6:12), which shows, sin reigns in the body by obedience and consent (if sin was natural and inborn, it would follow that it could not be eradicated or eliminated by the grace of God, which means, "born again" believers would have no choice except to let sin reign in their bodies, which the apostle contradicts to be sure!) Likewise, Jesus said, "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell." (Matt. 5:29) By right eye, the Lord was alluding to man's inward lust, that is, the "evil eye.". (Mk . 7:20-23) Many today understand "concupiscence" (sexual desire) as sinful apart from the submission to it. (This is why most of you liken temptation to sin, however, if temptation was sin, then you have just charged Christ (God) with sin as the Scripture confirms He (Jesus) "was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Heb. 4:15 & Matt. 4) (Before you listen to your preacher attempt to explain away the Lord's human nature, check out Heb. 2:14 - 2:17, which confirms Jesus shared in the same flesh and blood that we have as He was made like His brethren!) Anyhow, if temptation (or in this instance "concupiscence") is sin, then how could one "pluck it out"? (Matt. 5:27-29) Impossible! Yet, this is exactly what Jesus said to do! Due to this dilemma we must either assert that Jesus was in error (God forbid!) or that the doctrine of natural sin is a complete fallacy! Again, sin is shown to be a result of a choice we make (namely indulging our natures beyond their means). For example, man's sexual drive is not sin, however, when one uses this instinct to commit rape, it is. The sin is not in the involuntary desires of the flesh, but in the submission to the desires (Jas. 1:13-16). The Scripture say, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." Yet, no where does the Bible imply or suggest that God will force you to escape the lust of the temptation apart from your consent! On the contrary, James says, "blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."(Jas. 1:12) The Bible says we are "workers together with God"! (2 Cor. 6:1)
In closing, I must re assert what I have already said, that is, when someone says that lying is natural, you can be sure they are suggesting to you that sin is normal. Yet, as I mentioned before, sin is not normal as the Scriptures teach it is not reign in your mortal body! (Rom. 6:12) Again, we know that not loving our neighbors and doing others harm, does not make us feel good, but bad. This is a direct proof that the nature of man is not sinful or naturally wicked, for if it was, it would approve of destructive behavior (which it does not!). Lastly, and most importantly is this, as long as you believe that sin is natural and that you are incapable of quitting it (through a season of godly sorrow and bitter repentance -2 Cor. 7:10-11), you will never repent in the Biblical sense, which means, you cannot and will not be saved from the wrath that is to come. (Matt. 12:41 & Jonah 3:5-10) This is what has happened to the present day church. They have given heed to lying lips who tell them God accepts sinners as they are (founded on the principle all men are born sinners). People come forth, confess their sins and even repeat a sinners prayer (and many other church rituals), however, they never forsake their sins. Why? Because the preacher will not tell them the truth since he believes that you were born without the ability to obey God (due to being born with sin in your nature!) Since you can't obey God, you now can't "repent" and "obey from your heart" as the Scripture directs (Acts 17:30 & Rom. 6:17) Therefore, you must first receive the Holy Spirit (while in your sins) through some form of ritual practice, which in return, will give you the "ability" to not only "receive Jesus" by faith, but gradually bring you out of your sins! (Why does the Spirit have to be granted first to "enable" man to believe? The answer is, natural sin, that is, the doctrine of original sin has necessitated it!)
Under this teaching you enter the kingdom with the "old man" still alive and well (Rom. 6:6 & Gal. 5:24), he is then reformed through books and materials and taught how to be a good "Christian." (If you were being led by the 'Spirit of Truth' you would not need a preacher to explain to you how to be a good family man or citizen!) Thus, you live your whole life as the Romans 7 wretch and the chief of all sinners, thinking that grace has your (future) sins covered and God has accepted you because you "believe" in Jesus. (Jas. 2:19) You go to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, study when you can and attend outings with others who are in the same condition (poor, blind and naked!). This is truly a picture of the modern day church. The converts are "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim. 3:7). Indeed, they have a "form of godliness", but they deny the power. (The power is the removal of "all sins" by the blood of Christ - 1 Jn. 1:5-7) Because the modern day doctrines exclude this power and argue in favor of sin, the church remains in shambles. Multitudes of false doctrines are being preached and the pews are filled up with ardent sinners who have never come out of their sins to begin with! Holiness is mocked and purity is denied! (Matt. 5:8; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:22) The Bible now teaches, according to them, "positional Righteousness" and "UN-conditional Salvation" since Jesus loves everybody regardless as to whether they are wallowing in sin or not! The judgment of God has been far removed from the minds of the people in our day and His commandments are now merely suggestions. (Jn. 14:15 &1 Jn. 5:3) Search it out diligently and you will discover at the bottom of the mass delusion of our day is the doctrine of original sin! Wake up folks! Sin is not natural! Examine yourself now! Repent today and depart from iniquity and you will live!___________________________________________________________________________