Sin In Unbelief Not In conduct
Dr. Abel Damina, the founder and senior pastor of Power City International Church, has garnered significant attention and stirred considerable debate within Christian communities due to his unconventional theological perspectives. Central to his teachings is the assertion that sin, in terms of moral conduct, does not condemn individuals to hell; rather, it is unbelief in Jesus Christ that leads to eternal separation from God.
Core Tenets of Dr. Damina’s Teaching
- Sin’s Inability to Condemn: Dr. Damina posits that Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death fully atoned for humanity’s sins. Consequently, sins—regardless of their nature—cannot condemn a person to hell. He emphasizes that the only sin leading to condemnation is the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- Unbelief as the Sole Path to Condemnation: Drawing from scriptures like John 3:18, Dr. Damina underscores that belief in Christ is the determining factor for salvation. He argues that since Jesus has paid the price for all sins, it is unbelief—not individual sinful acts—that results in eternal damnation.
- Redefining Traditional Concepts: In his sermons, Dr. Damina challenges conventional Christian doctrines. For instance, he has stated that practices like smoking and drinking are not sins in themselves but should be approached with caution due to their health implications. He references Mark 7:18-21 to support his view that what defiles a person is not what enters the body but what comes from the heart .
- Christianity and Salvation: Dr. Damina also questions the traditional link between Christianity and salvation. He notes that the term “Christian” was coined by non-believers in Antioch and that many individuals, such as the thief on the cross, attained salvation without being labeled as Christians .
Scriptural Foundations
Dr. Damina supports his teachings with various biblical references:
- John 3:18: “He that believeth not is condemned already…”
- Romans 4:5: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: Emphasizes that God has reconciled the world to Himself through Christ, not imputing their trespasses unto them.
Reactions and Controversies
Dr. Damina’s teachings have elicited a spectrum of reactions:
- Supporters appreciate his emphasis on grace and faith, viewing his interpretations as a return to the foundational truths of the Gospel.
- Critics argue that his teachings may lead to moral laxity, as they seemingly downplay the significance of righteous living and repentance. Some have labeled his views as heretical, expressing concern over potential misguidance .
Conclusion
Dr. Abel Damina’s teachings challenge traditional Christian doctrines by emphasizing that unbelief, rather than individual sins, is the primary factor leading to eternal condemnation. While his perspectives have sparked considerable debate,
