Born without wings and expected to fly

In a recent debate with an atheist we were discussing the Fall of Adam and how the sinful nature has passed down to all men from that one act in the Garden of Eden. The atheist that I was speaking with could not understand how God would hold anyone accountable for their sins if He created them with a fallen sinful nature. The atheist stated that if God did exist it wouldn’t make any sense for Him to punish people if they were born into a sinful state of being. He said it was like being “born without wings and expected to fly.” I thought that was an interesting thought but let’s examine that from a Biblical perspective to see if it is true.

If we were expected to fly (by nature) and did not have wings then I agree that would be impossibility. In this case we would not be given the proper equipment to produce the outcome needed. Does God leave us in such a way that we are without any knowledge of Him and completely enslaved to sin? No. He did not leave us in such a state. The Bible makes it clear that God has revealed himself by “general revelation” in two different ways.

Romans 1:18-20 - 18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

God has revealed Himself in a general sense to everyone through nature and what has been created. Basic logic would suggest that if something is created there must be a Creator. We can look at nature and it suggests a few things about God’s nature. God is infinite and the universe is infinite. God is a God of laws and the universe operates on laws. God is structured and is ordered and the universe is obviously ordered.

Secondly, everyone has a conscience. I don’t have to tell you that it is wrong to lie, cheat, or steal. You know it is. I don’t have to remind you that it is wrong for a man to cheat on his spouse. You know that it is. That is because God has given you a conscience to know that He exists. You may suppress and dim your conscience, so to speak, but there is always that small voice who speaks to you about justice for you sins.

Romans 2:15-16 - 15in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

Conclusion: God hasn’t left you without “wings”. He has given you everything that you need to know that He exists. Just because you were born with a sinful nature does not mean that you will not be held accountable. God will judge all people, everywhere for their crimes against Him. Please determine what type of proof you would need to know if a God exists. But as you ponder your thoughts remember this: You don’t determine the proof for God’s existence. He does and He says that He has given you creation to know there is a Creator. He has provided you with a conscience to know that He exists and to know that you are accountable to Him. Whether you believe He exists or not is irrelevant. What matters is truth.