Answer: First I would like to discuss the construction of the question. Asking questions as the approach to their answers being part of what I do, as a Theologian and a pastor. I have discovered that:
AN ANSWER TO A QUESTION IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS UNDERSTANDING THE QUESTION Once you understand the question you might not (sometimes) need to supply an answer. Just understanding the question might be the very best answer to it.
Let me use the question above to exhibit this. The question asked by this brother is a question about the WHEN (which came first) of the WHAT (of these: Grace, Sin, and Law).
We all know that you cannot answer the WHEN of the unknown WHAT. Therefore let’s start by answering the WHAT: What is GRACE, SIN, LAW? Our understanding of these clarifies the WHEN.
To stretch your thinking abilities and save time, I am not going to tell you what they are, but what they are not. For I know the biased but baseless understandings surrounding these terms.
1. GRACE: It is not God’s emotional reaction that is on and off circumstantially, but rather who God is. Fortunately or unfortunately, God never began (or came into being). He was. Key Text: Genesis 1:1
2. SIN: It is not what people do or not do, it is not a specific behaviour (negative or positive) but rather a causative power. Now science can explain all forms of power and energy, and sociology can illustrate the five types of power. But causative power we call SIN has not been explained to satisfaction. Well, you be the judge and help me with this question: We know when what is caused begins, but can anyone tell me when the cause of what is caused begins? (read again before you answer). Key Text: Romans 7:17
3. LAW: It is not God’s will and neither is a divine signature. The law (Exodus 20) never originated from God, but it was a product of human civilisation which God endorsed as a means of maintaining order in a chaotic world. So the law is not divine but a socio-anthropological issue. And that is why by principle, all laws agree with the Jewish ten laws (which too was an edition of the Hammurabi code) but each country has its own interpretation and application. Now when did these laws come? Before you answer, read this: Key Text: Galatians 3:17
That can only be an answer if someone read and read and read again, and then asked again.
God bless you.
Am your Pastor and Theologian at iTiS Well of Worship Ministries (John 4:24)
+256-793-822833 (send in your questions only if you can Read, Think and Ask)
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