Books Quote by Louis Berkhof
“God's eternal decree certainly rendered the entrance of sin into the world certain, but this may not be interpreted so as to make God the cause of sin in the sense of being its responsible author”
About This Quote
Source Theology Book: Systematic Theology, 1932
God's decree ensures sin's entry, yet God is not its author; sin originates from human misuse of free will.
In simple terms: God set the stage, humans cause sin.
Key Takeaway
Recognize human responsibility for moral choices.
Themes
divine sovereignty
human free will
theodicy
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- ethical decision making
- spiritual teaching
- counseling
Key Concepts
predestination
sin origin
responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we hold God accountable for human evil?
- How does this view affect personal guilt?
A Different Perspective
Complexity of reconciling divine control with human guilt.
![“the essence of sin is not [primarily] the violation of laws but a wrecked relationship with God, one another, and the whole created order. “All sins are attempts to fill voids,” wrote Simone Weil.” quote by Timothy J. Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a0c/timothy-j-keller-3733_relationship-with-go_the-essence-of-sin-is-not-primarily-the_1694853.jpg)
![“[Martin] Luther did not regard the water in baptism as common water, but as a water which had become, through the Word with its inherent divine power, a gracious water of life, a washing of regeneration. Through this divine efficacy of the Word the sacrament effects regeneration.” quote by Louis Berkhof](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c7c/louis-berkhof-46254_baptism_martin-luther-did-not-regard-the-water-i_2291223.jpg)
