Faith & Reason Nexus

1. Safe/Innocence
   • Man is born in a state of safety and innocence.
   • Scriptural Basis:
     • Ezekiel 18:20: “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father…”
     • Isaiah 59:1-2: Sin separates man from God.
   • Children are not born with inherited guilt and have not had the opportunity to sin.
   • Accountability: 2 Corinthians 5:10 – Everyone will face judgment for their own actions.

2. Accountability
   • At a certain point, an individual matures and understands their responsibility before God.
   • Key Characteristics:
     • Awareness of right, wrong, and consequences.
     • Development of improper desires that may lead to sin.
   • Scriptural Basis:
     • James 1:14-15: “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires… sin, when full-grown, brings forth death.”
   • This age varies depending on the individual’s maturity and understanding.

3. Separation
   • When an individual sins, they become spiritually separated from God.
   • Scriptural Basis:
     • Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
     • 1 John 1:8: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”
     • James 4:17: “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
   • Result: A state of being spiritually lost due to sin.

4. Saved
   • Reconciliation to God is made possible through faith and obedience to the Gospel.
   • Requirements:
     • The blood of Christ: Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
     • A response of obedience:
       • Faith: Hebrews 11:6
       • Repentance: Acts 17:30
       • Confession: John 8:24
       • Baptism: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16
   • Outcome: Man is restored to a right relationship with God through Christ.

5. Separated Again
   • If a saved person returns to sin, they are again separated from God.
   • Scriptural Basis:
     • Isaiah 59:2: “Your iniquities have separated you from your God.”
     • Acts 8:23: Sin can trap and poison the soul.
   • This state mirrors the earlier separation caused by sin.

6. Restored and Saved Again
   • A person who sins can be restored to God through repentance, confession, and prayer.
   • Scriptural Basis:
     • Acts 8:22: “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.”
     • 1 John 1:7-9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.”
   • Private Sins: Addressed privately before God.
   • Public Sins: Should be confessed and resolved publicly within the church community.

Which State Are You In?

These six spiritual states emphasize the journey of man’s relationship with God—from innocence, through sin, and into reconciliation. Understanding where you stand allows for a proper response to God’s call for salvation and restoration.