WHATEVER BECAME OF SIN?

By Dr. M. R. Dowler

Karl Menninger is known as the father of American psychiatry; founder the world famous Menninger Institute. Dr. Menninger was loved and respected by his students and colleagues; he died in 1990 at the age of 96. Interestingly, despite his fame, some turned against Menninger after the release of his 1973 best-selling book Whatever Became of Sin? To them the book repudiated their well-entrenched belief in the secular treatment of mental problems. Dr. Menninger’s book suggested an opposite position---that sin and immorality could be used to explain why some people suffer from depression, debilitating guilt and abject hopelessness.

Most psychiatrists and psychologists avoid using terms like sin, evil or immorality. And for good reason---many don’t believe in sin, evil or immorality. But Karl Menninger thought differently; he wrote extensively on the important role of parents in shaping the impressionable minds of their children; and that love was an essential element in good mental health. Disagreeing with Sigmund Freud’s godless philosophies, Dr. Menninger also came to accept the reality of sin (as outlined in the Bible) and the guilt it produces in the minds of people (Psalm 38:4).

Guilt is a powerful feeling; it is the Hebrew word asam pointing to the sense of indebtedness sin generates. Anthropologists tells us that even the most remote cultures practice some form of crude religion in which sin must be paid for (as in an animal sacrifice). And whereas most people hate the feeling of guilt (2 Corinthians 7:10), it is far worse to never feel guilt; because the presence of guilt is a sign your conscience is still operating within your spirit (Acts 24:25).

Whatever Became of Sin? was a controversial book that mirrors what the Bible repeatedly tells us---we are all sinners guilty before God (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10, 23). But the sin debt was paid when Jesus became the sacrifice for all (Hebrews 10:12). Don’t neglect sin in your life; take care of it often (1 John 1:8-10). Keep short accounts with the Lord. Whatever became of sin? It’s still here (unfortunately). Think about it.

ONCE AND FOR ALL

By Dr. M. R. Dowler

Most of us have probably at one time or another watched a preview trailer of a movie or television show and then after watching the entire production realized it was all hype and little substance. Such was the case of the massively promoted 1988 heavyweight championship boxing match between Iron Mike Tyson (34-0) and Michael Spinks (31-0). For the fight Tyson was to receive $20 million dollars; Spinks, a paltry $13.5 million.

On July 27, 1988 the two heavyweights met in Atlantic City for what was advertised as the “Once and For All” fight. The bell rang and 91 seconds later it was over; only ten punches were landed (eight from Tyson; 2 from Spinks). Tyson knocked Spinks out in the first round. Ironically, the fight was the richest boxing event up to that time, grossing over $70 million dollars, but Michael Spinks never boxed again.

Of the twelve fundamental doctrines of the evangelical church, undoubtedly the most hated of the devil is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And for good reason---his fate (John 12:31-32) and the very foundation of Christianity itself rests on the validity of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 13-17). The resurrection of Christ has been ridiculed, denied and reduced to a trivial fairytale by cynical skeptics and arrogant intellectuals, and yet the reality of the resurrection still stands.

The greatest conflict in the universe began on a Friday afternoon over 2,000 years ago. Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe and Savior of the world willingly gave His life on the cross (John 10:17-18; 1 John 3:16). Satan controlled the crowds that condemned and crucified the Lord (Ephesians 6:12). He landed his best blow and really thought he had defeated Jesus (Genesis 3:15), and for three days he rejoiced. And then early on a Sunday morning, as the song goes, “Up from the grave He arose” (Luke 24:1-3). As victor in the conflict for the souls of man, Jesus raised His hands in triumph (Colossians 2:15). No hype, just sweet victory. Praise the Lord. Think about it. Happy Resurrection Day.

TRANSHUMANISM AND THE KENOSIS

By Dr. M. R. Dowler

Much has been written and continues to be reported on the modern-day phenomenon called transhumanism. Transhumanism is a fairly new term, defined as the use of science and technology to overcome human limitations and improve the human condition. Interestingly, a recent tech article reported that mankind will soon be able to “overtake a mouse brain” (a comforting thought!), and that by the year 2025 all or part of our minds will be controlled by a computer.

Our need and desire to improve society and our individual lot in life is a laudable ambition, as well as a divine command---the Dominion Mandate was given to our first parents in the garden (Genesis 1:26-28). But it’s important to understand that invention and improvement can only go so far, mainly because of our own human limitations. God in His wisdom and mercy puts limits on us. Simply stated, there is knowledge our Creator doesn’t want us to have and places He doesn’t want us to go. Why? Because He’s God and we aren’t.

The Lord Jesus Christ is God (John 1:1; Colossians 1:15). He was born of a virgin into a world of sin and yet He was without sin (1 John 3:5). Kenosis is a theological word to describe how Jesus became man (Philippians 2:5-11); taken from the Greek verb “kenoo” in verse 7 meaning to empty. Jesus became all man, but never laid aside His divinity (Luke 22:70; John 10:30). He willingly laid down all vestiges of reputation to become our sacrifice.

God never changes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8), yet He is the ultimate change agent. He wants to transform our thinking (Romans 12:1-2), and one day He will change our sinful bodies into our immortal bodies in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). But none of this could ever happen had He never came to live with us. No one knows how far God will allow humanity to advance into areas outside our realm of understanding or control. But for us---Praise the Lord, He became like us in order for us to become like Him. Think about it.