Sin; Is It All Voluntary?
[The following paragraphs selected from Rev. Charles G. Finney's theological works are not only very interesting, but they are exceedingly suggestive. They will richly repay a thoughtful reading.] CAN there be any other than voluntary sin? What is sin?—Sin is the transgression of the law. The law requires benevolence, goodwillling. Sin is not a mere negation. It is a willing contrary to the commandment of God. Sin, as well as holiness, consists in choosing, willing, intending. Sin must be voluntary; that is, it must be intelligent and voluntary. It consists in willing, and it is nonsense to deny that sin is voluntary. The fact is, there is either no sin, or there is voluntary sin. Benevolence is willing the good of being in general, as an end, and, of course, implies the rejection of self-gratification, as an end. So sin is the choice of self-gratification, as an end, and necessarily implies the rejection of the good of being in general, as an end. Sin and holiness, naturally and necessarily, exclude each other. They are eternal opposites and antagonists. Neither can consist with the presence of the other in the heart. They consist in the active state of the will, and there can be no sin or holiness that does not consist in choice.