Total Hereditary Depravity

Calvinism Exposed (1)

Total Hereditary Depravity

2005029

Topic # 1798 (Calvinism)

Introduction:

Calvinism is a system of theology developed by John Calvin (1509-1564).
His teaching has greatly influenced denominational teaching since the days of the reformation.
1. Many of the fundamental concepts of Calvinism existed before Calvin came on the scene.
2. For example, total hereditary depravity, originated with Augustine during the 5th century AD.
The Protestant Reformation started in mid 1500’s
1. John Calvin attempted to “reform” the Catholic Church.
2. Attempted to bring back many of the Augustinian principles emphasizing the sovereignty of God which he felt had been abandoned.
3. His work was not received by the Catholic Church,
4. But it has been stamped into the religious thought of the denominational world.
Calvin formulated five points in his system of theology which are commonly represented by the acrostic: TULIP.
1. Total Hereditary Depravity
2. Unconditional Election
3. Limited Atonement
4. Irresistible Grace
5. Perseverance of the Saints
In speaking of Calvinism, Foy E Wallace once said that when this system is fully analyzed it says of conversion & salvation:

1. If you seek it you can’t find it; if you find it, you can’t get it; if you get it, you can’t lose it; and if you lose it, you never had it.

Tonight’s lesson will discuss Total Hereditary Depravity.
1. detailed look at the doctrine in detail
2. look at scriptures used to justify this teaching
3. And consider the scriptural objections to this doctrine.

I. The Doctrine Defined

Total Hereditary Depravity implies three things about the nature of men at birth:

1. They are depraved, that is, caught up in and guilty of sin.

2. They are wholly, or totally, depraved, and,

3. This sinful condition is hereditary, that is, depravity comes to each newborn baby from his parents.

The doctrine also teaches that man does not have the ability to choose spiritual good over evil.
Scriptures in efforts to prove this doctrine.

1. Romans 3:10-18 – does this apply to an inherited corruption of nature existing at birth, or to those who had corrupted themselves by wicked works?

2. Psalm 51:5

3. Psalm 58:1-5 – does this literally apply to infants?

4. Ephesians 2:1-3 –

a) The idea presented is that since man is “dead in sin” he can do nothing at all to remedy that condition.

b) Man must be operated on by God in some miraculous way.

c) The canal nature of man must be broken up by a miracle, which they believe is the direct operation of the Holy Spirit.

5. Romans 5:12-19

II. Scriptural Objections to this Doctrine

The Scriptures teach that infants are sinless at birth! They are “safe” in God’s sight.
If infants are born into sin – then the following must be true:

1. Jesus was born a sinner.

a) Gal. 4:4 teaches that Jesus was born in the flesh.

b) Heb. 2:14-18 affirms Jesus was “shared in” flesh & blood.

c) Phil. 2:7 says that Jesus was made in “the likeness of men.”

d) If total hereditary depravity is true, how could it be so that Jesus “knew no sin”? See 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22

2. God is depraved.

a) Acts 17:29 says we are the “offspring of God.”

b) Heb. 12:9 says He is the “father of spirits,” See also Eccl. 12:7

3. Children of Christians inherit a purified nature.

a) If Adam’s posterity inherited the corrupt nature described after the fall, why do not the children of Christians inherit a purified nature after their conversion?

An Infant is born without sin. Consider the following scriptures:

1. Ezek. 18:20 – a child inherits neither sin nor righteousness.

2. Matthew 19:14 – Note the purity of a child. If one is totally depraved by inherited sin, then what could be the meaning of this passage?

3. Matthew 18:3 – note the attitude of a child. This attitude is essential to salvation. If children have a depraved nature this would make Jesus teach that one must become totally depraved to enter the kingdom!

4. 2 Samuel 12:15-23 – Seems that David understood the eternal safety of an infant…

God has granted man a free will to choose whether to obey or to object.

1. Adults are responsible for their own actions.

2. Isa. 7:15-16 - as we grow up we reach an age wherein we are able to refuse evil and choose good.

a) Men are presented with choices.

b) In Luke 7:29-30 – “the Pharisees and lawyers rejected….”

c) Matthew 23:37 – Jesus willed to saved them, and they would not receive it.

God will judge each according to his works.

1. See Ezekiel 18:25-32; 2 Corinthians. 5:9-10; Romans 14:12

Sinful deeds, as well as repentance, are actions performed by responsible choice.
1. 1 John 3:4 – sin as a transgression of the law.
2. Rom. 6:16, 12-13 – we “yield” ourselves to sin.
3. James 1:13-15. Sin is a result of lust conceived.

a) It is not something that can be inherited.

b) Only those who are of age and ability to be responsible for their choices are held accountable as sinners.

c) Only then does one become separated from God. (Isa. 59:1-2)

Repentance is a choice.
1. Why would God command repentance if we do not have the ability to choose for ourselves?
2. See Acts 17:30; Joel 2:12-13; Acts 2:38; 8:12

Conclusion:

A. Have you responded to God’s terms of salvation?

B. Are you willing to take responsibility for the sins done in the body & seek forgiveness through God?



Calvinism Exposed (1) Total Hereditary Depravity 2005029 Topic # 1798 (Calvinism) Introduction: Calvinism is a system of theology developed by John Calvin (1509-1564). His teaching has greatly influenced denominational teaching since the days of the reformation. Many of the fundamental concepts of Calvinism existed before Calvin came on the scene. For example, total hereditary depravity, originated with Augustine during the 5th century AD. The Protestant Reformation started in mid 1500’s John Calvin attempted to “reform” the Catholic Church. Attempted to bring back many of the Augustinian principles emphasizing the sovereignty of God which he felt had been abandoned. His work was not received by the Catholic Church, But it has been stamped into the religious thought of the denominational world. Calvin formulated five points in his system of theology which are commonly represented by the acrostic: TULIP. Total Hereditary Depravity Unconditional Election Limited Atonement Irresistible Grace Perseverance of the Saints In speaking of Calvinism, Foy E Wallace once said that when this system is fully analyzed it says of conversion & salvation: 1. If you seek it you can’t find it; if you find it, you can’t get it; if you get it, you can’t lose it; and if you lose it, you never had it. Tonight’s lesson will discuss Total Hereditary Depravity. detailed look at the doctrine in detail look at scriptures used to justify this teaching And consider the scriptural objections to this doctrine. I. The Doctrine Defined Total Hereditary Depravity implies three things about the nature of men at birth: 1. They are depraved, that is, caught up in and guilty of sin. 2. They are wholly, or totally, depraved, and, 3. This sinful condition is hereditary, that is, depravity comes to each newborn baby from his parents. The doctrine also teaches that man does not have the ability to choose spiritual good over evil. Scriptures in efforts to prove this doctrine. 1. Romans 3:10-18 – does this apply to an inherited corruption of nature existing at birth, or to those who had corrupted themselves by wicked works? 2. Psalm 51:5 3. Psalm 58:1-5 – does this literally apply to infants? 4. Ephesians 2:1-3 – a) The idea presented is that since man is “dead in sin” he can do nothing at all to remedy that condition. b) Man must be operated on by God in some miraculous way. c) The canal nature of man must be broken up by a miracle, which they believe is the direct operation of the Holy Spirit. 5. Romans 5:12-19 II. Scriptural Objections to this Doctrine The Scriptures teach that infants are sinless at birth! They are “safe” in God’s sight. If infants are born into sin – then the following must be true: 1. Jesus was born a sinner. a) Gal. 4:4 teaches that Jesus was born in the flesh. b) Heb. 2:14-18 affirms Jesus was “shared in” flesh & blood. c) Phil. 2:7 says that Jesus was made in “the likeness of men.” d) If total hereditary depravity is true, how could it be so that Jesus “knew no sin”? See 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22 2. God is depraved. a) Acts 17:29 says we are the “offspring of God.” b) Heb. 12:9 says He is the “father of spirits,” See also Eccl. 12:7 3. Children of Christians inherit a purified nature. a) If Adam’s posterity inherited the corrupt nature described after the fall, why do not the children of Christians inherit a purified nature after their conversion? An Infant is born without sin. Consider the following scriptures: 1. Ezek. 18:20 – a child inherits neither sin nor righteousness. 2. Matthew 19:14 – Note the purity of a child. If one is totally depraved by inherited sin, then what could be the meaning of this passage? 3. Matthew 18:3 – note the attitude of a child. This attitude is essential to salvation. If children have a depraved nature this would make Jesus teach that one must become totally depraved to enter the kingdom! 4. 2 Samuel 12:15-23 – Seems that David understood the eternal safety of an infant… God has granted man a free will to choose whether to obey or to object. 1. Adults are responsible for their own actions. 2. Isa. 7:15-16 - as we grow up we reach an age wherein we are able to refuse evil and choose good. a) Men are presented with choices. b) In Luke 7:29-30 – “the Pharisees and lawyers rejected….” c) Matthew 23:37 – Jesus willed to saved them, and they would not receive it. God will judge each according to his works. 1. See Ezekiel 18:25-32; 2 Corinthians. 5:9-10; Romans 14:12 Sinful deeds, as well as repentance, are actions performed by responsible choice. 1 John 3:4 – sin as a transgression of the law. Rom. 6:16, 12-13 – we “yield” ourselves to sin. James 1:13-15. Sin is a result of lust conceived. a) It is not something that can be inherited. b) Only those who are of age and ability to be responsible for their choices are held accountable as sinners. c) Only then does one become separated from God. (Isa. 59:1-2) Repentance is a choice. Why would God command repentance if we do not have the ability to choose for ourselves? See Acts 17:30; Joel 2:12-13; Acts 2:38; 8:12 Conclusion: A. Have you responded to God’s terms of salvation? B. Are you willing to take responsibility for the sins done in the body & seek forgiveness through God?