Sin: Problems with Playing Church Today

"Progressive realizations" is a concept where God continuously reveals biblical insights and truths to humanity through His Spirit, adapting to the evolving spiritual and intellectual needs of different ages. This ongoing revelation process is illustrated by historical developments like the emergence of the Trinity to address Arianism and Joseph Smith's insights challenging established religious interpretations, suggesting that current spiritual insights may reinterpret overlooked biblical doctrines to enrich faith in contemporary times.

Shawn shares his perspective on faith and religion through the Great News Network, emphasizing a biblical foundation, an openness to all individuals' choices, and a critique of traditional religious doctrines, such as the necessity of repentance and belief in Yeshua for salvation. He introduces resources like CULT.LOVE for educational purposes and discusses the issues found in organized religion, including the concept of "playing church" and the revolving door of doctrinal inconsistencies.

Religion perpetuates the cycle of sin by confronting, managing, and expiating it, as seen in systems rooted in Old Testament practices where sin supports religious structures by necessitating offerings. The inherent human propensity to "miss the mark" or sin reinforces the persistence of sin, making it an integral element of religious organizations, ensuring their survival as they navigate the management of humanity's flawed nature.

Sin is an inherent part of humanity, but Yeshua (Jesus) paid the ultimate price for sin through a substitutionary death, effectively erasing this debt for all humanity, which scripture affirms as an unconditional gift without needing further acceptance or belief for its effect. This teaching emphasizes siding with scriptural declarations of universal atonement through Yeshua, as seen in John 1:29, 1 John 2:2, and Romans 5:18, as opposed to aligning with religious interpretations that make this gift conditional.

Yeshua, or Jesus, endured death to erase the sin of all humanity, reconciling the world to God without the need for religious intermediaries, which signifies that sin's payment is complete and God is no longer alienated due to human sin. While the spiritual debt is fulfilled, believers are guided by the Spirit to feel guilt for shortcomings and are called to repent by nurturing faith and love in their lives, epitomizing true repentance beyond religious obligations.

Shawn teaches that the ultimate judgment and salvation of individuals are based on their faith and love, not on their individual sinful acts, as these are viewed as forgiven through the work of Christ. Personal responsibility is emphasized, with all people urged to make conscious choices in nurturing faith and love to align their lives with God's principles, rather than following the law or blaming original sin, upbringing, or external influences.