OUR SIN IS OUR OWN

James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15: Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16: Do not err, my beloved brethren.

The "temptation" spoken of here is not the same word used before (v2) which word means God-given trials. Here the word "temptation" is the lust of the flesh. Let no man blame his sinful cravings upon God. God is not moved by evil as men are. Neither does God cause lust in any man. Sin is conceived and begins in man's heart. When sin comes forth into our members it always brings forth death. The Holy Spirit is clear. Do not be in error concerning this truth.

God is not the author or cause of man's sin. Judas Iscariot's betrayal of our Lord was determined by God of old (John 17: 12; Acts 1:20.) Yet, it was Judas himself who performed the act and is accountable for sin. The most horrible act of sin ever displayed on this earth was performed according to the determinate council and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23; 3: 18; 4: 27, 28.) Still, the wicked hands that took our Lord and nailed him to the cross belonged to men not God.