Some time ago, I read with interest the comments someone sent to a large urban newspaper. They had to do with the writer's concern on the implications of genetic research on the prevailing ideas regarding sin and man's free will. Is humanity really responsible for some acts condemned by the Western religions? A United Methodist bishop also was quoted as wondering if sin is centered exclusively in free will.

The Apostle Paul, the Church's quintessential theologian would have no argument with the idea of genetically based sin. Such discoveries verify his teachings, long recorded in his Epistle to the Romans, that due to The Fall the human race is "sold under sin." Paul wrote that, by its own volition, humanity is unable to practice the morality demanded by God, since the sin principle (Paul uses the term: "The law of sin and death") is so dominant a factor in human nature that, without submission to the Spirit of God through Christ Jesus, men are unable to free themselves of its clutches. The human mind indeed may will to achieve the demands of God's moral law, but the sin factor [genetically based sin] in fallen humanity does not permit it. A regeneration and transformation through Jesus Christ - a rebirth, if you prefer - is necessary.

The Apostle Paul put it this way, "So I find that this law is at work: when I want to do what is good, that evil is the only choice I have. My inner being delights in the law of God. But I see a different law at work in my body - a law that fights against the law which my mind approves of. It makes me a prisoner to the law of sin which is at work in my body . . ." (Romans 7:21-23; Good News Bible).

Paul's solution? "There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Jesus Christ. For the law of the Spirit, which brings us life in union with Jesus Christ, has set me free from the law of sin and death. What the law [the moral code] could not do, because human nature was weak, God did . . ." (Romans 8:1-3; Good News Bible; brackets added by the author).

Yes, indeed! The genes of our race are programmed to sin! God understands this, and He has mandated a reprogramming through the Holy Spirit of those who are born again through Jesus Christ. It is for neglecting to avail one's self of benefits of this reprogramming that a person is charged by God with guilt.

Who knows? As scientist continue their search they yet may verify other long-scorned Biblical truths, such as life after death, the reality of heaven, and - now be nice, Josprel - perhaps even Hell and the Lake of Fire.

-30- Josprel (Joseph Perrello) josprel@verizon.net