Thank you. I didn't realize Allberry was pushing Side B. I purchased one of his books, published by Crossway. I had thought Crossway would be solid. Hmm.
I agree with everything, except your characterization of a betrothed heterosexual couples desire for sex with each other being sinful in itself. That scenario is how God designed humans, and part of that design is a sexual relationship in marriage. Obviously two single people wanting to get married and in love with each other are going to have sexual desires. Those are not sinful if not acted upon, and they are not lust, which Paul defines as covetousness (like the 10th commandment), which is basically desiring something or someone that belongs to another. However, two single people (man and Woman) do not belong to another. (As is another man’s wife, etc). In fact most Christian men I would argue, primarily get married (at least at first) so they can have sex. A man or woman sexually desiring their betrothed is not a sin. It’s normal and natural. It is NATURE.
The natural sexual desire of a betrothed couple isn't necessarily sinful, but it can certainly be sinful. That's what Paul described it as "burn with passion" (1 Cor 7:9)
Yet, we believers now have a new nature. One that does not sin.
And still the old nature remains, sadly dragged around 'til the end, whatever predilections may inhere within.
But we don't decorate that sinful side, encourage it, identify with and show it off and embrace it. We fight, by looking to Christ, and being grateful He has made a way out of this deadly condition.
Thank you. I didn't realize Allberry was pushing Side B. I purchased one of his books, published by Crossway. I had thought Crossway would be solid. Hmm.
Crossway ain't what it used to be
Mike this is excellent! The logic of Side B never made sense to me. you lay it all out in way that is really clear.
Personally I think because Sam is such a public person Immanuel should be more transparent but that’s just an opinion.
Yes they are pretty vague about it
I agree with everything, except your characterization of a betrothed heterosexual couples desire for sex with each other being sinful in itself. That scenario is how God designed humans, and part of that design is a sexual relationship in marriage. Obviously two single people wanting to get married and in love with each other are going to have sexual desires. Those are not sinful if not acted upon, and they are not lust, which Paul defines as covetousness (like the 10th commandment), which is basically desiring something or someone that belongs to another. However, two single people (man and Woman) do not belong to another. (As is another man’s wife, etc). In fact most Christian men I would argue, primarily get married (at least at first) so they can have sex. A man or woman sexually desiring their betrothed is not a sin. It’s normal and natural. It is NATURE.
The natural sexual desire of a betrothed couple isn't necessarily sinful, but it can certainly be sinful. That's what Paul described it as "burn with passion" (1 Cor 7:9)
Sin is all we are.
Yet, we believers now have a new nature. One that does not sin.
And still the old nature remains, sadly dragged around 'til the end, whatever predilections may inhere within.
But we don't decorate that sinful side, encourage it, identify with and show it off and embrace it. We fight, by looking to Christ, and being grateful He has made a way out of this deadly condition.