Total Hereditary Depravity

Calvinism Exposed (1)

Total Hereditary Depravity

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. Calvin formulated five points in his system of theology which are commonly represented by the acrostic: TULIP. In speaking of Calvinism, Foy E Wallace once said that when this system is fully analyzed it says of conversion & salvation: 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.

I. The Doctrine Defined

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

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; Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:1-5; Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 5:12-19

II. Scriptural Objections to this Doctrine

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) 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.

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

a) Ezek. 18:20; Matthew 19:14; 18:3; 2 Samuel 12:15-23

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

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

God will judge each according to his works. 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.

Repentance is a choice.

1. See Acts 17:30; Joel 2:12-13; Acts 2:38; 8:12

Conclusion:

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



Calvinism Exposed (1) Total Hereditary Depravity 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. Calvin formulated five points in his system of theology which are commonly represented by the acrostic: TULIP. In speaking of Calvinism, Foy E Wallace once said that when this system is fully analyzed it says of conversion & salvation: 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. I. The Doctrine Defined Total Hereditary Depravity implies three things about the nature of men: 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; Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:1-5; Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 5:12-19 II. Scriptural Objections to this Doctrine 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) 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. An Infant is born without sin. Consider the following scriptures: a) Ezek. 18:20; Matthew 19:14; 18:3; 2 Samuel 12:15-23 God has granted man a free will to choose whether to obey or to object. 1. Isa. 7:15-16 - as we grow up we reach an age wherein we are able to refuse evil and choose good. God will judge each according to his works. 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. Repentance is a choice. 1. See Acts 17:30; Joel 2:12-13; Acts 2:38; 8:12 Conclusion: A. Have you responded to God’s terms of salvation?