There is a distinct difference between man and animals because man is made in the image of God.

Man is a personal, rational, and sovereign being:
Personal: man has emotions, morals, and values.
Rational: man has the ability to reason.
Sovereign: man has the ability to make choices and decisions independent of others.

Free-will: man is responsible for his own actions because he has the freedom and ability to make his own choices and decisions.

The Bible describes animals as “instinctive creatures that are unable to reason.” Animals don’t have a free-will. They don’t respond according to morals or values. Their responses are determined by instincts and conditioning.

Theory of Determinism: you’re not responsible for the way you respond to situations or circumstances because your personality and character are predetermined.

3 theories of determinism (taught by psychologists):
1. Genetic Determinism
This theory blames all of your faults and shortcomings on your grandparents. They’re responsible for they way you act because it’s genetic.
2. Psychic Determinism
This theory blames it all on your parents. Your upbringing, and the way you were raised, determined your personality and character.
3. Environmental Determinism
This theory blames it on your environment. Someone or something in your environment is responsible for the way you are and the way you act.

God holds you responsible for your actions, regardless of your genetic tendency, what your parents did to you, or the environment you were raised in.

Responsible is a compound word made up of two words:
1. Response
2. Able
It literally means “able to choose the right response.”

Principle: Every person is accountable for their own actions.

Principle: Your DNA, personality, and the way you were raised might explain why you have the tendency to behave the way you do, but it doesn’t excuse your behavior.

Genesis 1:26; Isaiah 1:18; Joshua 24:15; Jude 10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ezekiel 18:2-20