Total Depravity

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
3,505
468
83
And father's can give good gifts, but they don't do so to glorify God, but themselves.

Suppose I was poor growing up and got meager presents for my birthday. Now suppose I have children of my own, and on their birthdays I make sure they get a plethora of gifts. Who did I do that for? I did it for myself and how it makes me feel. The gifts themselves are good, but the motivation behind them is not. Thus, the giving doesn't reflect anything good in me.
Well, ypu said that apparently self-centred acts were evidence for inherited sinfulness, but you don't seem to make the same claim re apparent good unselfish acts. There seems to be some conformation bias at work there. And you are quick to read sinful motivations into apparently unselfish act but reluctant to allow that potentially unselfish acts could be unselfish.So, confirmation bias again, it seems.

I'm just warning against using the logical fallacy of hasty conclusions.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
Well, ypu said that apparently self-centred acts were evidence for inherited sinfulness, but you don't seem to make the same claim re apparent good unselfish acts. There seems to be some conformation bias at work there. And you are quick to read sinful motivations into apparently unselfish act but reluctant to allow that potentially unselfish acts could be unselfish.So, confirmation bias again, it seems.

I'm just warning against using the logical fallacy of hasty conclusions.
One can do something good for selfish reasons. Since in the flesh dwells no good thing, before salvation all acts are selfish no matter how altruistic they may seem.

The problem with unregenerate man isn't that he doesn't know good and evil, but how to perform it he knows not.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,137
30,284
113
One can do something good for selfish reasons. Since in the flesh dwells no good
thing, before salvation all acts are selfish no matter how altruistic they may seem.

The problem with unregenerate man isn't that he doesn't
know good and evil, but how to perform it he knows not.
Plain as day in black and white but they refuse to open their eyes to see it.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,137
30,284
113

Biblical truth concerning the natural man.
Thank you for the inspiration .:)
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
3,505
468
83
One can do something good for selfish reasons. Since in the flesh dwells no good thing, before salvation all acts are selfish no matter how altruistic they may seem.

The problem with unregenerate man isn't that he doesn't know good and evil, but how to perform it he knows not.
No good thing dwelling in the flesh does not equate to the flesh not being able to do anything good
.
One can also do something that appears to be evil for unselfish reasons. So, something appearing to be evil does not prove t was done for evil motives; and something appearing to be good does not prove it was done for good motives.

Not keeping on finding (present continuous tense) how to do the good one wants to do, does not equate to never being able to do the good one wants to do.
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
3,505
468
83
And father's can give good gifts, but they don't do so to glorify God, but themselves.

Suppose I was poor growing up and got meager presents for my birthday. Now suppose I have children of my own, and on their birthdays I make sure they get a plethora of gifts. Who did I do that for? I did it for myself and how it makes me feel. The gifts themselves are good, but the motivation behind them is not. Thus, the giving doesn't reflect anything good in me.
You are projecting. You are attributing your own motives onto everybody else. The composition fallacy.
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
3,505
468
83
He's not talking about self awareness, but self-centeredness.
self-centred
/ˌsɛlfˈsɛntəd/
adjective
adjective: self-centered


  1. preoccupied with oneself and one's affairs.
    "he's far too self-centred to care what you do"

    Babies are far from preoccupied with their own affairs. They are highly curious about their environment and the characters within it and are focussed on interpreting what they are sensing of the world out there. Maybe you are projecting your own experience onto babies.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
673
223
43
This isn't what total depravity is about. But we are born not having sinned, with a propensity toward sin, and under condemnation because Adam's sin has been credited to our account.
I must disagree! Ezekiel 18 makes it very clear that no one ever INHERITS SIN. Only the person who sins is credited with sin and not anyone else’s sin—only his own.

We suffer the CONSEQUENCES of Adan’s sin—-a cursed world, increased pain in childbirth, and differences in men and women’s roles. Adam and Eve brought sin into a sinless world but no one ever inherited their sin. So says God and the Bible. Do you have a scripture that proves otherwise?
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
I must disagree! Ezekiel 18 makes it very clear that no one ever INHERITS SIN. Only the person who sins is credited with sin and not anyone else’s sin—only his own.

We suffer the CONSEQUENCES of Adan’s sin—-a cursed world, increased pain in childbirth, and differences in men and women’s roles. Adam and Eve brought sin into a sinless world but no one ever inherited their sin. So says God and the Bible. Do you have a scripture that proves otherwise?
Adam was our representative as was Jesus. Read about it in Romans 5. If Adam's sin wasn't imputed to us, why is Ephesians 2:1-3 true of us? Why do we come into the world under the condemnation of God and subject to His wrath?
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
673
223
43
But are we guilty of sin when we are born? No if we have not chosen to disobey God, we are not guilty. But we do, so all have sinned.
I believe that we are not guilty of sin at birth, as a newborn is incapable of sinning. However, due to the Fall, all humanity stands guilty before God. Adam and Eve were initially in a perfect, innocent, and sinless state. They walked in the garden without realizing their nakedness. But after eating from the forbidden tree, which God had commanded them not to eat from, they lost their innocence. Before this act, they were spiritually alive and connected to God. Afterward, they became spiritually dead and severed from God
Adam and Eve were created with a perfect nature, but their disobedience in eating from the forbidden tree resulted in a fundamental change. This act introduced a flawed nature into humanity, often referred to as the 'sinful nature.' Consequently, every human born thereafter inherited this inherent flaw, a spiritual separation from God, regardless of their innocence at birth.

This separation, as described in the Bible, remained unbridged until the arrival of Jesus, referred to as the Son of Man, was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and thus, was not subject to the inherited sinful nature passed down from Adam. As the second Adam, Christ came from heaven and lived a sinless life, which qualified Him as the only perfect sacrifice. His purpose was to restore the broken relationship between humanity and God. Through faith in Jesus, individuals can experience a spiritual rebirth, becoming 'born again,' and reestablish their connection with God.
It’s a subject of much debate, but there’s a perspective within Christianity which I hold to is that, due to Christ’s redemptive work, all infants are encompassed by His grace. This belief posits that if an infant were to pass away, they would be received into heaven, covered by the sacrificial act of Jesus. This view emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of Christ’s atonement as an automatic provision of grace, particularly for those unable to make a conscious decision for Christ.[/QUOTE]


Do you have ANY inspired scripture to substantiate any of this?? Especially the part about “every human born INHERITED a “sinful nature’, a spiritual separation from God”? Where is your proof from God’s word for any such doctrine as this? Especially when Ezekiel 18 says that no one ever INHERITS sin—from anyone—neither Adam or their earthly fathers. He makes it very plain that a person is only charged with his OWN SIN—NOT the sin of someone else.

This is a man made doctrine pure and simple. Jesus said it’s no use worshipping God if you’re teaching the commandments of men. Your worship is vain ( useless). Matt. 15 and Mark 7 both say, “ In vain they worship me teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.” Do we live in a sinful world—yes. Adam’s sin brought sin into the world. So yes, we are tempted by sin —that is the devil’s job. But God says He does not temp anyone (with sin). If we inherit, from God , a sinful nature wouldn’t that make God responsible for our sin? As far as I can tell, there is NOTHING about “inheriting” a sinful nature from God in His Bible.

2 John 9 - “Whoever transgresses and does not ABIDE IN THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST DOES NOT HAVE GOD.” Be very careful.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
673
223
43
Adam was our representative as was Jesus. Read about it in Romans 5. If Adam's sin wasn't imputed to us, why is Ephesians 2:1-3 true of us? Why do we come into the world under the condemnation of God and subject to His wrath?
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
673
223
43
That passage is not talking about ADAM’s sin; it’s talking about OUR sins and how we were list before we converted to Christ which is how every person is before they are saved. You have to be lost before you can be saved. We were lost because of our own sins not because of Adam’s sin. Read Ezekiel 18. God makes it very clear that we are not charged with anyone else’s sin. We do not inherit sin. We are sinful because if our own sins. There is no scripture that says God gave us a sinful nature. If that were so, then God would be responsible for our sins and not we ourselves. We would be in a position to blame God. This is a doctrine of “demons” 1 Tim. 4:1.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
That passage is not talking about ADAM’s sin; it’s talking about OUR sins and how we were list before we converted to Christ which is how every person is before they are saved. You have to be lost before you can be saved. We were lost because of our own sins not because of Adam’s sin. Read Ezekiel 18. God makes it very clear that we are not charged with anyone else’s sin. We do not inherit sin. We are sinful because if our own sins. There is no scripture that says God gave us a sinful nature. If that were so, then God would be responsible for our sins and not we ourselves. We would be in a position to blame God. This is a doctrine of “demons” 1 Tim. 4:1.
Why are we said to be in Adam?
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
673
223
43
Ephesians 2 does not even mention our “coming into the world” v; where do you read that?? He is talking to adults who were once lost, because of their Own sins—not the sin if Adam. Look at what that scripture us saying! Before we were “saved” WE—you and I and everyone else—“walked in sin” verse 2, conducted ourselves in the lusts of the flesh and fulfilled the desires of the flesh and mind”. Does that sound like Adam us doing those things? Are those Adam’s sins?? NO! Those are OUR sins. That’s what WE did before we were Christians. That’s how WE lived. Adam is not even mentioned in this verse. It’s not HIS SINS that are condemning us. Which is exactly what Ezekiel 18 is saying. We are condemned fir our own sins which we have committed but because of the sin Adam committed. And how we were “born into the world is not in this passage at all. That is not the topic of the conversation. You have been listening to men. Seek Biblical proof for religious ideas. Make them prove it to you.
1 Thess. 5:1 - PROVE ALL THINGS!”
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
673
223
43
Why are we said to be in Adam?
Adam is not even named in Ephesians 2. I have no idea what you are talking about or what scripture you are referring to. Unless I can read the “context” I have no idea.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
Adam is not even named in Ephesians 2. I have no idea what you are talking about or what scripture you are referring to. Unless I can read the “context” I have no idea.
Didn't you read Romans 5?
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
673
223
43
Yes, the title makes things a bit confusing
My aim was to look at the belief,, TOTAL D.. and see if the bible supports what calvin thought or not.

You have made it clear you are not in support of Calvinism.

But you do believe in original sin. I think..

They are much debated subjects...

I believe we are unable to do good, because we have inherited a sinful nature, but I do not believe we are born guilty of sin. No choice to obey or disobey has been made by us at birth.

The nature of Christ is another subject. This is ever harder to understand.


Please give the scripture that tells us we have inherited a “Sinful nature”. I don’t believe that is in the Bible. It comes from “man.” Ezekiel 18 is proof that sin is NOT inherited.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
673
223
43
Didn't you read Romans 5?


Romans 5 says that because of Adam’s disobedience sin entered the world; so yes,Adam was the cause of sin entering the world. We all know that sin leads to “spiritual” death. He says spiritual death spread to all men BECAUSE of THEIR SINS—not Adam’s sin—THEIR SINS. Verse 12. Physical death also entered the world because we were separated from the tree of life.

Yes, physical death reigns over everyone, whether they have sinned or not ( like babies and children). Verse 14.


Verse 19 pretty well sums it up. By Adam’s sin, sin and condemnation entered the world. Because OF this all men sin (when they are old enough to choose between right and wrong). and are therefore condemned. Jesus provides a way out of sin. His sacrifice offers salvation instead of condemnation. But we have a choice. We are not forced to accept his salvation, but if we do we will once again receive the tree of life and live forever in a perfect world again where there is no sin.

NOW WHAT SPECIFICALLY is in that chapter that makes you think we inherited the sin of Adam? Ezekiel 18 says “The soul who sins shall die.” Verse 4. If a man has sinned, “his blood shall be upon himself.” Verse 13.
Verse 20 - The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son.” There is an old saying, “ Every tub shall sit on its own bottom” probably came from this chapter.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
Romans 5 says that because of Adam’s disobedience sin entered the world; so yes,Adam was the cause of sin entering the world. We all know that sin leads to “spiritual” death. He says spiritual death spread to all men BECAUSE of THEIR SINS—not Adam’s sin—THEIR SINS. Verse 12. Physical death also entered the world because we were separated from the tree of life.

Yes, physical death reigns over everyone, whether they have sinned or not ( like babies and children). Verse 14.


Verse 19 pretty well sums it up. By Adam’s sin, sin and condemnation entered the world. Because OF this all men sin (when they are old enough to choose between right and wrong). and are therefore condemned. Jesus provides a way out of sin. His sacrifice offers salvation instead of condemnation. But we have a choice. We are not forced to accept his salvation, but if we do we will once again receive the tree of life and live forever in a perfect world again where there is no sin.

NOW WHAT SPECIFICALLY is in that chapter that makes you think we inherited the sin of Adam? Ezekiel 18 says “The soul who sins shall die.” Verse 4. If a man has sinned, “his blood shall be upon himself.” Verse 13.
Verse 20 - The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son.” There is an old saying, “ Every tub shall sit on its own bottom” probably came from this chapter.
Now read 1 Corinthians 15:21-22.
What does it mean that all die IN Adam?

Why did those who die in Romans 5 die given that no law existed for sin to be imputed to them?