4.1 Devotion

Does it matter when we sin? Are there any consequences? Is anyone keeping track? Is anyone keeping the books?

Last week we read about the fall of mankind into sin and alienation from God. Here we have a promise from God to remember their sins no more. Yet God is perfectly just, the Bible says he keeps accounts of each sin (remember he said the penalty for sin was death).

The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor,or say to one another, Know the Lord, because they will all know me,from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (New International Version)

Questions to consider:

• How can a God who keeps the books down to the penny remember their sins no more?
• Does he just write off the debt for some?
• Does he take back his word in Genesis 2 that their sin will result in death, making himself a liar?
• Theanswertothisliesinthescriptureforthefinalworkshopofthiscourse.

1. 1. Make an initial post regarding the 4.1 Devotion in this workshop. Did you learn anything new from the devotional?
   2. Additional posts may ask questions regarding concepts, problems, or assignments that you find difficult or confusing. You may find that a classmate has the information or insight to make things clear.
      1. Make observations regarding how the subject matter of this workshop is exemplified in your world. Do you see the concepts presented in the textbook or the workshop devotional material exemplified around you?
      2. Share insights, new understandings, or "ah ha" moments resulting from your reading and/or work on assignments.
      3. Post a comment or question that deepens the discussion by raising the application or the implications of a concept presented in the textbook or devotional materials.
2. Your initial post is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop.
3. You must make your initial post regarding the Devotional scenario. Subsequent posts may be about homework problems.
4. Read and respond to at least two of your classmates' postings, as well as all follow-up instructor questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.
5. Your postings should also:
   1. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
   2. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas or observations.
   3. Provide clarification to classmates' questions and provide insight into the discussion.
   4. Be posted on three different days during the workshop.