We know that Rahab lied to protect the spies of Israel.
We know Jonah showed rebellion and arrogance when told to preach to Nineveh.
We know Elijah showed lack of faith when he hid in a cave and whined to God that he was the only prophet left.
We know John the Baptist had doubt about Jesus being the Messiah,when he sent his followers to ask Jesus, Are you he?
I've read countless books,testimonies and documentaries on WW2 and the Nazi's reign of terror. Believers and Jews alike had to do many things in the survival and help of themselves and others; things we call sin.
Compound question :
Are we so inundated with the thoughts of sin and sinning that we can not hear God's instructions?
If asked or told to do something you thought was sin to save or protect someone else, would you and how would you know God oks it?
You asked........
"Are we so inundated with the thoughts of sin and sinning that we can not hear God's instructions?"
I do not know if "Inundated" is the right answer for me, but we are all effected by the
sin nature. That is why we commit sin even when we do not want to. We can not help it because we as sinners to what come naturelly....sin!
Also, O would say to all reading these responses that we should realize God has saved us willingly, to display His grace, love, and strength. Our salvation does not depend on how much or how little we sin, how much or how little we evangelize or repent or do good works, or how loving or unloving we are, or anything else about us. Our salvation is entirely a product of God’s grace, love, and purpose. This is important to understand, because (ironically) believing that we are responsible to keep the law or doing anything leads inevitably to the inability to stop sinning.
You asked...........
"If asked or told to do something you thought was sin to save or protect someone else, would you and how would you know God oks it?"
That is a loaded philosophic question. It is also an ethical question. There are two issues involved in this question, the things that the Bible specifically mentions and declares to be sin and those the Bible does not directly address.
We understand that the Bible tells what is sin such as murder, adultery, lying, stealing, etc.—there is no doubt the Bible presents such things as sin. The more difficult issue is in determining what is sinful in areas that the Bible does not directly address.
Now allow me to ask you this......if you were in the FBI and you have captured a known terrorist and it has been proven to you that this man knows the location of a nuclear bomb planted in New Your city where
YOUR children and grandchildren live....would you do what ever was need to make him give you the location of that weapon? Would you beat him, terrorize him, lie to him, cut off a finger?????
Now before you respond, think about what the The Bible says, for example, in Col. 4:5.......that we are to ---
“make the most of every opportunity”. Yes.....I know that the context does not speak of torture, but then what is "opportunity".
Here is another one to ponder. The Bible says that murder is sin. Now......at 2:00 AM you here a noise and look out your bedroom door ans see two people have broken you sliding glass door and are standing there with knives in their hands and say......
"Give me all your money and jewelry and maybe we will not kill you after we rape you".
WHAT DO YOU DO?????
Luke 11:21
“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own mansion, his property is safe.”
Psalm 18:34
“He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.”
We all
need discernment
Job 34:4
“Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.”
