DEPRAVITY, TOTAL
Is the Concept of Total Depravity in the Bible?
The doctrine of hereditary total depravity is also known as "original sin" in Roman Catholicism. This concept asserts that all children come into the world with both the effects and guilt of Adam's original sin. By "heredity," therefore, they are totally (completely) depraved (evil).
Proponents of this view hold that moral corruption extends to every part of a baby's soul. Hence, as the child grows towards maturity, he must be endowed (supernaturally) by the Holy Spirit before he can believe the gospel.
Augustine (A.D. 354-430) was the earliest theologian who promoted this dogma in its fullest form. Later, John Calvin popularized the doctrine in his religious system.
This view is without any biblical evidence. Children do not inherit the sins of their parents (Gen. 8:21; Ezek. 18:20; Mt. 18:1ff; 19:14; 1 Cor. 14:20). Sinning is a matter of choice, not genes (Josh. 24:15; Isa. 7:15). People go astray (Isa. 53:6); they are not born astray. Our personal sins (Eph. 2:1; ASV) condemn us, not those of another.
Appeals to Psalm 51:5 are a futile attempt to buttress this false doctrine. David's psalm is poetic hyperbole, suggesting that his entire life was characterized by sin (cf. Job 31:18).
Proponents of this view hold that moral corruption extends to every part of a baby's soul. Hence, as the child grows towards maturity, he must be endowed (supernaturally) by the Holy Spirit before he can believe the gospel.
Augustine (A.D. 354-430) was the earliest theologian who promoted this dogma in its fullest form. Later, John Calvin popularized the doctrine in his religious system.
This view is without any biblical evidence. Children do not inherit the sins of their parents (Gen. 8:21; Ezek. 18:20; Mt. 18:1ff; 19:14; 1 Cor. 14:20). Sinning is a matter of choice, not genes (Josh. 24:15; Isa. 7:15). People go astray (Isa. 53:6); they are not born astray. Our personal sins (Eph. 2:1; ASV) condemn us, not those of another.
Appeals to Psalm 51:5 are a futile attempt to buttress this false doctrine. David's psalm is poetic hyperbole, suggesting that his entire life was characterized by sin (cf. Job 31:18).
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Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson
