No goodness dwelling within

While it is true that the LORD often uses particular sins and transgressions (perhaps to get our attention) in the process of HIS chastening work, yet the man who is awakened to see himself for what he truly is does not “rate” his sin on the basis of how bad it is, but simply that there is no goodness dwelling within himself. This is a constant lament which is made more plain as we grow in grace and the knowledge of the LORD. For HE is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity and quite in contrast to HIS holiness, we are made to see ourselves as filthy wretches unworthy of the least of HIS mercies.

Mike McInnis

How Sad Our State

How Sad Our State, by Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

1. How sad our state by nature is,
our sin, how deep it stains;
and Satan binds our captive minds
fast in his slavish chains.
But there’s a voice of sov’reign grace
sounds from the sacred Word,
“Ho, ye despairing sinners, come,
and trust upon the Lord.”

2. My soul obeys th’almighty call,
and runs to this relief;
I would believe Thy promise, Lord,
O help my unbelief.
Unto the fountain of Thy blood,
Incarnate God, I fly;
here let me wash my spotted soul,
from Crimes of deepest dye.

3. Stretch out Thine arm, victorious King,
my reigning sins subdue;
and drive the dragon from his seat,
with all his hellish crew.
A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,
on Thy kind arms I fall;
be thou my strength and righteousness,
my Jesus and my all.

On the meaning of, and other book reviews

The posting of book reviews does not constitute endorsement of the books or book reviews that are linked.

• Book Review: On the Meaning of Sex, by J. Budziszewksi -- "In our culture, sex means everything and sex means nothing."
• A Book Review, Or, What Bothers Me About Self-Help Books -- "Covey’s title promises to make you an “effective” person, but the book mostly maintains the strategy of secularism to avoid conflict by focusing on utilitarian means without deciding among metaphysical/theological/religious ends."
• Book Review: The Blessed Life, by Robert Morris -- "In the end, I think Robert Morris wants to serve the Lord and has led many to faith. But questions remain in my mind as to what sort of “blessing” he has offered."
• Book Review: Welsh Succession of Baptist Faith and Practice by Michael N. Ivey -- "Ivey seems to have made an attempt to justify the position of Primitive Baptists who hold to Conditional Time Salvation by bringing us this treatise."
• Review of The Theology of John Smyth, by Jason K. Lee -- "Lee’s final chapter provides another original construction of an aspect of Smyth’s theology as it relates to his understanding of church and state."
• The Best of Enemies, by Osha Gray Davidson -- "Davidson does a remarkable job of setting the scene for the charrette [an intense period of planning/activity]."
• The Bible and Race, by T.B. Maston -- "In celebration of its Centennial, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has reprinted T.B Maston’s The Bible and Race as part of its Library of Centennial Classics."
• The Wholehearted Wife {Review} -- "I loved how this book really focuses on my role as a Christian wife. It was not about how to “fix” my husband but how to fix myself!"
• What We Lose When Hymnbooks Disappear (Book Review) -- "Tangible objects of faith play an essential role in binding a community of believers together."
• Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism -- "The book’s penultimate chapter is “Reflections on Determinism and Human Freedom” by philosopher of religion Jeremy A. Evans."

Made in the image of God

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him…

Question:  What does “man made in the image of God” mean?

As I began to study to answer this question, it became obvious that the theology of “Imago Dei”[i] is quite varied and complex, even among orthodox theologians. To this I had previously paid little attention. My unstudied view centered on the moral qualities of man. Louis Berkhof explains that he early Church Fathers “were quite agreed that the image of God in man consisted primarily in man’s rational and moral characteristics, and in his capacity for holiness…”[ii] My answer, however, will consider it from a contextual concept in the book of Genesis. I believe John Piper is correct stating, “The Bible is not as concerned as we are to discover the precise nature of man’s God-likeness.”[iii]

In the book of Genesis, there are three texts applicable to the “image of God” idea.[iv]

Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:[v] and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Genesis 5:1-2 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

The first mention in Genesis 1:26-27 provides several clues that should not be excluded from understanding that man is created “in the image of God.”

• The significance of man in creation is seen in the consultation of the Godhead: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (v. 26). This consultation is abruptly inserted into a record of creation that previously proceeded without discussion. Man’s creation is distinct and different from what came before.
• The responsibility of man over creation is seen in the dominion that he is given: “let them have dominion” (v. 26). No other thing created in these six days is given dominion over the earth and the things of the earth.
• The uniqueness of man among creation is seen in the unity and duality of his creation: “created he him; male and female created he them” (v. 27) “And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; and the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. (Genesis 2:21-22). Man, Adam and Eve, are creative, procreative, and united in one. No animals were created in this distinct way.
• The importance of man to creation is seen in his being the final and crowning point of the creation: “Let us make man…And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (6th day)…”And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made” (7th day). No other creatures or things were made after man. They were the finishing touch!

Note that there is no indication that man lost the image in his fall, though it might be considered marred. Even in his depraved condition man continues the benefits of being created in God’s image. Genesis 9:6 cites the “Imago Dei” reasoning to condemn murder and support punishment of murderers. This is not only after the fall, but after the flood as well! Man was still “in the image of God.” (Cf. also 1 Corinthians 11:7, man is (presently) “the image and glory of God,” and James 3:9, which also speaks of man in the image of God in the present tense.)

In some way man is like (in the likeness of) God. Adam and Eve do not resemble God in the sense that God has flesh and blood, or male and female body parts. “God is not a man” and “God is Spirit” (Numbers 23:19; John 4:24). God exists without a body, as we understand it. Nevertheless, it is best to understand that the whole man (combining body and soul) is created in God’s image – rather than parcel the “Imago Dei” out piecemeal.

Unlike the animals, with whom man shares physical characteristics (e.g. eyes, ears, legs, etc.) man also has the breath of God in them (Genesis 2:7). Unlike the angels, who are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), man is created with authority, to have dominion over the world God made (cf. Genesis 1:26-27). The statements of Genesis 1:26-27 and Genesis 5:1-2 support man’s unique role in God’s creation as his “Imago Dei.” This interpretation remains consistent with Genesis 9:6, as well as 1 Corinthians 11:7 and James 3:9.

---

[i] The Latin Imago Dei is the common theological term for the concept “Image of God.”

[ii] Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1939, p. 202. See, for example, Augustine in The City of God (New York, NY: The Modern Library, 1950, p. 407): “God...created him a soul endowed with reason and intelligence...”

[iii] The Image of God: An Approach from Biblical and Systematic Theology (Studia Biblica et Theologica, March 1971)

[iv] “Likeness” in Genesis 5:1; “likeness” translates the Hebrew word demût; “image” translates the Hebrew word selem. In addition, Genesis 5:3 speaks of Adam’s son born in his image: “And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:” Seth was begat in a way that he was like his father. As Seth was patterned after Adam, so Adam was patterned after God.

[v] Some writers claim a difference or distinction between the words image (selem) and likeness (demût) in Genesis 1:26, where God consults and resolves to create “in our image, after our likeness.”  The commentary on the actual doing of the resolution in verse 26, as stated in verse 27, clarifies that “likeness” is a restatement of “image” – therefore it is not necessary to mention likeness (demût) again in verse 27.

I don’t buy into the narrative, and other quotes

The posting of quotes by human authors does not constitute agreement with either the quotes or their sources. (I try to confirm the sources that I give, but may miss on occasion; please verify if possible.)

"I don’t buy into the narrative at all that Jesus never critiqued individuals...Jesus called Herod a fox, Peter the devil and he was hardly complementary about the ‘prophetess’ Jezebel in the church in Thyatira." -- David Robertson

"The line between good and evil doesn’t run between groups but right through every human heart." -- Mark Ward

"Compromise is necessary in the political world. In the spiritual world compromise is lethal." -- Robert Jeffress

"If Baptist people would bow in humiliation and wash each others’ feet they would be less likely at each others’ throats!" -- Unknown

"If legislators know they will be forced to return home to live under the laws they pass, they will arguably be much less likely to advocate for repressive and unreasonable laws." -- Lyle Larson

"When you leave somewhere because you have a discontented spirit, you take that spirit with you when you go." -- Matt Bell

"Congregations are lifeless because dead men preach to them." -- George Whitefield

"A corrupt stock produced a corrupt offspring." -- Canons of Dordt

"In government, the scum rises to the top." -- Friedrich Hayek

"The depravity of the human heart is at once the most empirically verifiable fact and at the same time the most intellectually resisted." -- Malcolm Muggeridge

"Isn't it time to stop asking the LORD to bless what we are doing, and start doing what HE has [blessed] and is blessing?" - Billy Wright, Jr.

"God needs no defense. Those teachers who are forever trying to make God over in their own image might better be employed in seeking to make themselves over in the image of God." -- A. W. Tozer

"This then is not God, if thou hast comprehended it; but if it be God, thou hast not comprehended it." -- Augustine

Archaic Language in Hymnody, and other music links

The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked, and not necessarily even agreement with the specific posts linked.

• Archaic Language in Hymnody -- "The more that classic hymnody is “updated,” the more likely it is that the original excellence of a given piece is going to be compromised to some degree."
• Black Sacred Harp Singing in East Texas -- "Some noticeable differences existed in the way that African-American singers carried on the sacred harp musical tradition from the practices of white singers."
• Critiquing Art and Music -- "Too often music is thought about as if the notes are the form and the lyrics are the content. In actuality, the lyrics have form and content, the music has form and content, and the marriage of text and notes have another layer of form and content."
• Deleted Cooper Songs -- Songs deleted from The B. F. White Sacred Harp in the 1992 W. M. Cooper Revision, compiled by Rachel Wells Hall
• Does My Argument in Authorized Apply to Old Hymns? -- "I’m actually fine with challenging metaphors, particularly if they’re drawn from the Bible—or comparable to the Bible’s metaphors in their obscurity quotient."
• East Texas Musical Convention -- "The East Texas Musical Convention...was organized in 1855, and is the oldest Sacred Harp convention in Texas...The East Texas Convention has a continuous history from 1868, the earliest year notated in its minutes."
• East Texas Sacred Harp Singing Convention -- "August 11, 2018 to August 12, 2018 9:30 am – 3:00 pm"
• I Looked for a Musician to Stand in the Gap -- "They provided more wisdom and inspiration: they appeared to be a nearly inexhaustible well. Until I asked what I might call a stumper."
• “It Made My Body Feel Confused” -- "Lyrically, it’s a hymn, and yet the singing is hot-breathed and sexy-close into microphones. It made my body feel confused."
• Loblolly, Volume 2, Number 2, Fall 1974 -- "F. D. Waldrop is the historian and expert on Sacred Harp singing in East Texas."
• The “Stacked Fourths” Chord: A Canonical Discord in The Sacred Harp -- "This “canonical discord” is a chord consisting of the first, fourth, and seventh degrees (1-4-7) of the minor scale—a “stacked fourths” chord creating a dissonant seventh between the outer notes."
• This old Southern tradition bridges new cultural divides -- "Newcomers are often younger, less strictly religious, and hail from cultures and parts of the country that hold values sometimes at odds with those of conservative rural communities..."

Book by A. M. Stewart

Last year I published several posts about early East Texas Free Will Baptist preacher Angus McAllister Stewart. Last week while researching minutes of the Chattahoochee Association of Georgia, Free Will Baptist historian Robert Picirilli made an important discovery. Advertised for sale on the back of the 1895 minutes was a book by A. M. Stewart – Key to the Book of Job, Or, The Plan of Redemption Through the Lineage of Esau (St. Louis, MO: National Baptist Publishing Co. Press, 1895). Knowing the existence of a book by Stewart, I started doing some searching and found there is a Library of Congress scan of Key to the Book of Job by A. M. Stewart, as well as it being available from Forgotten Books. Here are a few excerpts.

In asserting this book of Job to be an allegory it is not assumed that it is a fiction. It is a true narative, written in Hebrew poetry, with names of characters and circumstances chosen by the Holy Spirit. It is at once an allegory and a true narative, with such poetic and parabolic touches as one would expect to find in oriental writings of early times, and even of any time. (Preface, p. 5)

Though it is essential that the whole Church get the healing of the “balm of Gilead,” the work must begin with the individual. Every one that sees the necessity of the general healing must have his own sores treated first. This is the only legitimate beginning. Every one can do something towards healing the whole if he is himself healed. In fact he has already done something for he is part of the whole; but he can do something still more far reaching. This presentation of Job is for the Church and for the individual; or addressed to the Church through individuals with the hope that some may hear and heed the precious doctrines of the book, and tell to others. (p. 6)

As is the Church so are her children, her converts. If the Church or congregation of believers in Christ, will be warned and turned to Christ as he is turning to her, her children, too, will be strong and fair and lovely and will reflect credit and honor on her and will be “the joy of the whole earth.” (p. 73)

A little light for a few moments

"A man would act very foolishly if, wishing to have light in his room when the sun was shining at noonday, he should shut all the shutters, and strike a match to give him a little light for a few moments. Let us not then be so foolish as to look for happiness or comfort in our own performances when the glorious Sun of righteousness is at the right hand of God, and shining thence upon believing hearts." 

-- J. C. Philpot

Sacred Harp Convention

Help us fill these chairs!

The 163rd Anniversary meeting of the East Texas Sacred Harp Convention will occur next weekend (d.v.), August 11-12, at the Henderson Civic Center in Henderson, Texas. Singing starts at 9:30 both days. For more information see HERE.

The Convention was organized in 1855.

Total hereditary depravity

The total depravity of the human heart is a most important and necessary biblical truth. If we do not properly understand this biblical truth, we will not understand the gospel – God’s scheme of salvation, the purpose of the crucifixion and death of Christ.  God’s eternal redemption, Christ a lamb slain from the foundation of the earth, is imminently intelligible in light of man’s depravity in sin. It is curiously incomprehensible in light of man’s supposed goodness! If man is good and can fix his problems without God, then the incarnation, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ become meaningless.

What is total depravity or hereditary depravity?

“Total” means “constituting or comprising the whole; entire; whole”

“Hereditary” means “passing, or capable of passing, naturally from parent to offspring”

“Depravity” means “the state of being depraved (which is, morally bad or evil)”

Negatively:

Total hereditary depravity does not mean every person is as wicked and sinful as he could be.[i] There are problems of opportunity, means, and time, as well as outward restraints that prevent achieving all the wickedness that is in the heart – law, fear of punishment, the desire for the approval of others, for example.

Positively:

Total hereditary depravity refers specifically to the nature of the person, rather than to their deeds. Every aspect of a person – the total person – is affected by the depravity that has been inherited. Every part of man is wicked, depraved, or corrupted by sin – his body, mind, will, and spirit – therefore, all that he is.

As a consequence of Adam’s disobedience to God’s command (Genesis 2:16-17) and his subsequent separation from God (Genesis 3), the whole number of his descendants have the characteristic from birth of being one that sins. Depravity is inherited, universal, and comprehensive, for 1) it derives from our first father, Adam; 2) all are depraved, and 3) the depravity of all is total. This doctrine is related to but not the same as “total inability.” Total inability emphasizes man’s innate incapacity to do good, specifically unable to “come to God.”

Depraved man has both the inability to do good and the propensity to do evil.

There are many verses in the Bible that present the concept of total depravity. On the other hand, many advocates of innate goodness will rise to contradict them.[ii] Malcolm Muggeridge wrote, “The depravity of the human heart is at once the most empirically verifiable fact and at the same time the most intellectually resisted.” Rather than discuss today the multitude of verses that support total depravity,[iii] I rather consider four clear and indisputable biblical principles that support inherited depravity.

The universality of sin and death. It is clear throughout scripture, as well as empirically observable, that sin and death are universal and connected. “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe” (Galatians 3:22). “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). When Jesus, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” he had no worries that some innately sinless person might be present to throw a stone! (See John 8:7.) All have sinned. The wages of sin is death. (Cf. Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23.)[iv]

The helplessness of man. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,” but the end of man’s way concludes in death (Proverbs 14:12). He is helpless, “without strength” (Romans 5:6). “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). Whatever one thinks about the statement in John 6:44, it remains at the least that man is helpless, without ability, unless God does something for him – “draw him.”

The uniqueness of Jesus Christ. The sinlessness of Jesus stands in contradistinction to the whole of mankind. He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). “In him is no sin” (1 John 3:5) Jesus alone is without sin. See also 1 Peter 1:18-19. His life is unique. His death is distinct. His resurrection is unparalleled.

The way of salvation by God alone. Whosoever commits sin is in bondage to sin. Jesus came to set free those enslaved in sin (John 8:34-36). “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).  In Jesus Christ is salvation, and “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The necessity and universality of salvation is sourced in God! This salvation with glory in the grace God, not in the goodness of man: “that no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Corinthians 1:29-31).[v]

Depravity is displayed in the universality of sin and death. There is no discharge in this war! Depravity is displayed in man’s hopelessness. Depravity is displayed in man’s helplessness. His condition is hopeless; he is without strength. Depravity is displayed in man’s inability to seek God to do good, seek God. Depravity is displayed in Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection all definitely determined for the salvation.

This hymn stanza captures the wonder of the gulf between God and man:

And from my smitten heart with tears

Two wonders I confess –

The wonder of redeeming love

And my unworthiness.[vi]

On this subject hangs the very nature of man, the nature of his need, and the nature of his remedy. If we cannot determine the sickness, how can we determine the cure? The proper biblical understanding of the total depravity of the human heart is a potent corrective. God’s straight arrow of total hereditary depravity shot into the heart drives man away from self and to a despair whose only relief is found in a merciful God.

A Debate on Depravity (four links)

• Debate On Inherited Sin, First Affirmative
• Debate On Inherited Sin, First Negative
• Debate On Inherited Sin, Second Affirmative
• Debate On Inherited Sin, Second Negative

---

[i] I like the terms “relative good” or “comparative good.” Although an individual may be unregenerate and all of his or her righteousnesses are filthy rags in God's sight, humanly speaking there are degrees up and down the scale – “relative good,” so that we wouldn’t say our sister should as soon marry a mass murderer as a generally kindly man who sometimes loses his temper.

[ii] The inherited depravity/innate goodness debate is often framed in favor of innate goodness – as either/or, as if free agency necessarily negates depravity: “Does the Bible teach that babies are born guilty of original sin and total hereditary (inherited) depravity? Or does the Bible teach free moral agency and individual responsibility and accountability?”

[iii] Genesis 6:5, Genesis 8:21, Job 14:4, Job 15:14-16, Psalm 14:1-3, Psalm 51:5, Psalm 58:3, Isaiah 64:6, Jeremiah 4:22, Jeremiah 13:23, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Ezekiel 36:25-27, Matthew 15:19, Matthew 19:17 , Mark 7:20-23, John 3:3-5, Romans 1:28-32, Romans 3:9-19, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:18-20, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:7-8, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 15:22, 1 Corinthians 15:49, Galatians 5:17, Ephesians 2:3, Ephesians 2:5, Colossians 1:21-22, Colossians 2:13, Titus 3:3, Hebrews 2:14-15, James 1:14-15, 1 John 1:8

[iv] Genesis 2:17: death is physical (separation of body and soul) and spiritual (separation of man from God). Man has animate physical life -- until the separation of body and soul (James 2:26), but there is no spiritual life in him whatsoever (Ephesians 2:1).

[v] Nearly sinless is not good enough: James 2:10.

[vi] From Beneath the Cross of Jesus, by Elizabeth C. Clephane.

Debate On Inherited Sin, Second Negative

Written Debate On Inherited Sin, between Robert L. Vaughn, Mitchell Street Landmark Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, Texas, and Steven F. Deaton, Loop 287 Church of Christ, Lufkin, Texas: “The Scriptures teach that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all men are born sinners.” Robert Vaughn affirms; Steven Deaton denies.

Steven F. Deaton: Second Negative Reply

Regarding the questions:

1. Adam was made in the image of God, free of sin, which God called “good” (Gen. 1:26-27, 31). Yet, Adam sinned. The same is true today--we are created free of sin, “good,” then chose to willfully disobey.
2. Read again Hebrews 2:14-17. We wonder if Mr. Vaughn thinks a person does not exist until they are born and how that may affect his view on abortion?
3. If both, then all babies are born alienated from God and doomed if they die in infancy. Jesus redeemed us by his physical death--sacrificing his body and shedding his blood (Matt. 26:26-28; Heb. 10:5-7).
4. How can one be a sinner BEFORE they sin? How many times has a newborn infant lied to you? The context of Psalm 58:3 is those who consider what they are doing. Verse 3 is hyperbole.
5. In his 1st affirmative Mr. Vaughn said, “...(death) passed from father to son, therefore, the cause (sin) passed from father [Adam] to son [Cain, Able, Seth, etc.],” and that “Jesus died to take away the sin [Adamic sin] of the world.” If so, then no one this side of Jesus’ death is guilty of it and he has conceded his proposition.

Mr. Vaughn then complains about “influences.” Surely, no one but the Universalists would believe that Christ’s death automatically ensures salvation for men. Rather it compels those of a soft heart to obey the gospel (Matt. 13).

Romans 5:12-19: Verse 12 says, “...as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so DEATH passed upon all men, for that ALL HAVE SINNED.” It DOES NOT say “sin passed upon all men.” Too, it DOES say that all have sinned! The passage clearly declares that what Adam did, Christ undid. If Adam caused all men to be lost without any action of their own, then Christ caused all men to be saved without any action of their own. Also, Mr. Vaughn says in reference to v. 12, “...all have sinned is placed in the past!” That is, he claims we sinned before our existence! Do you believe it (cf. Rom. 9:11)?

I do not believe Rom. 5:12-19 is discussing physical death. Spiritual death for Adam (as Mr. Vaughn affirmed in response to question 1) and all others results from their willful disobedience to God (cf. Isa. 59:1-2). It points out that “death passed to all men, FOR ALL HAVE SINNED.”

Eze. 18:20: Mr. Vaughn ignored the rest of the verse. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. THE SON SHALL NOT BEAR THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHER, NEITHER SHALL THE FATHER BEAR THE INIQUITY OF THE SON: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE UPON HIM, AND THE WICKEDNESS OF THE WICKED SHALL BE UPON HIM.” We do not inherit sin, guilt, or a sin nature from our parents, including the parents of the human race—Adam & Eve.

Mr. Vaughn affirms that 1 Cor. 15 is discussing physical death and bodily resurrection. We agree, therefore, he has conceded that ADAM’S SIN is what brought PHYSICAL death upon the human race (1 Cor. 15:21-22). Mr. Vaughn says that Christ’s death took away Adamic sin, so, according to his reasoning, it is not the cause of physical death. We wonder then, what causes infants to die?

John 1:29: Mr. Vaughn is missing the point. It is addressing the SIN of the world as a whole, that is, the aggregate of all the sins of mankind (cf. 1 Jn. 2:2).

The infant child Jesus WAS SUBJECT to death. The Bible says, “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to DESTROY him” (Matt. 2:13). Why would the angel warn of the child’s destruction? Did the prophecy of v. 15 make the threat less real? Compare the accounts of God promising the throne of Israel to David, yet David’s life was in jeopardy when Saul was seeking to kill him (1 Sam. 16:1-13; 19:1).

Mr. Vaughn challenges us to prove by Scripture that “all who are subject to death are sinners” is a false statement. Okay. David’s son was subject to death (2 Sam. 12:19). Was David’s son lost? Mr. Vaughn says David’s son was a liar, and the Bible says liars go to hell (Rev. 21:8). Therefore, according to Mr. Vaughn’s logic, David’s son is in hell. Yet, David expected to join his son (2 Sam. 12:23). So, what does that do to David’s condition if Mr. Vaughn is right?

Finally, we submit again Hebrews 2:14-17, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of FLESH AND BLOOD, HE ALSO himself likewise TOOK PART OF THE SAME... For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but HE TOOK ON HIM THE SEED OF ABRAHAM. WHEREFORE IN ALL THINGS IT BEHOVED HIM TO BE MADE LIKE UNTO HIS BRETHREN....” If we follow Mr. Vaughn’s reasoning, then we must conclude that Jesus came into this world a sinner, telling lies “AS SOON AS” he was born. If not, why not?

End, second negative. This concludes the written debate on inherited depravity.

Debate On Inherited Sin, Second Affirmative

Written Debate On Inherited Sin, between Robert L. Vaughn, Mitchell Street Landmark Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, Texas, and Steven F. Deaton, Loop 287 Church of Christ, Lufkin, Texas: “The Scriptures teach that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all men are born sinners.” Robert Vaughn affirms; Steven Deaton denies.

Robert L. Vaughn: Second Affirmative Argument

Answers to Mr. Deaton’s Questions

1. The serpent deceived Eve, but Adam willfully disobeyed (Gen. 3:1-6; 1 Tim. 2:14).
2. No. His body was created in the womb of Mary by the Holy Ghost. He existed BEFORE He was born.
3. Both physical and spiritual death. By what death did Jesus redeem us? Physical or spiritual?
4. They are born sinners before they sin. However, being born sinners, they immediately begin to transgress God’s law. They lie “AS SOON AS they are born” (Psalm 58:3).
5. All are saved from Adamic sin; this is not universal salvation because all who do not believe on the Son of God are condemned.

Romans 5:12-19 is destructive to any argument that men are not born sinners. Mr. Deaton argues that the one act of disobedience by Adam merely “influences” men to sin. But this proves too much -- then Jesus’ one act of obedience (death, Phil. 2:8) merely “influences” men toward salvation. Thomas Paine did influence many to be infidels, but I emphatically deny that he MADE infidels in the sense the word is used in Rom. 5:19 (rendered, appointed, ordained, caused to be). The passages state that through Adam’s act “many be dead” (v. 15), that “Judgment was by one to condemnation” (v. 16), that “death reigned by one” (v. 17), that “by the offence of one judgment came upon all men” (v. 17), and that “many were made sinners” (v. 19). Does this sound like Adam merely “influenced” men to sin? The tense of v. 12 is also important. The fact that death passed upon all men, and that all have sinned is placed in the past! When? At Adam’s transgression.

Mr. Deaton believes that infants are born without sin. Therefore, he cannot say that Rom. 5:12 means physical death entered the world by sin and therefore physical death passes upon all men because all sin. This would make the physical death of each individual a result of personal sin. Yet he says infants have no sin -- but they die. He cannot say it means spiritual death, because Paul argues that spiritual death passed upon ALL MEN (this includes infants). This is exactly what he is denying!!

Ezekiel 18:20 -- The soul that sinneth, it shall die. This is exactly my position. ALL are subject to death, even infants. That they die proves they have sin guilt. If not, why not? Will Mr. Deaton charge God with injustice concerning infant death?

Death is an appointment for all men and judgment follows (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Heb. 9:27). Mr. Deaton cannot affirm that spiritual death is an appointment for ALL -- only physical death. In context of physical death and bodily resurrection, the apostle Paul announces, “the sting of death is sin” (1 Cor. 15:56). The STING THAT BRINGS DEATH, yes, physical death, IS SIN. Will Mr. Deaton deny it? If so, what is the cause of physical death?

It IS NOT separation from the tree of life! Adam was separated from it “lest he ... take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.” If he needed the tree of life to live forever, he obviously was already in a state of dying.

John 1:29 -- This one verse is not all the Bible teaches about the death of Jesus, but IT DOES TEACH SOMETHING ABOUT IT. HE DID die to take away THE SIN (singular, not SINS) of THE WORLD. What is THE SIN of THE WORLD? Murder? All have not murdered someone. Unbelief? Infants can neither believe nor reject. The only single sin that involved and affected the whole world (all mankind) was the transgression of Adam.

Eph. 2:3 -- Compare “nature” in Rom. 1:26; 2:14,27; 11:24; I Cor. 11:14; Gal. 2:15; 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:4. NATURE refers to the basic constitution of a thing, not something acquired through habitual practice. Does homosexuality differ from something we get through habitual practice, or from the basic NATURE of men’s and women’s bodies? In Rom. 2:14, Paul refers to Gentiles who had been born again - they had the law of God written in their hearts (v. 15, Heb. 8:10), they were new creatures (II Cor. 5:17) created in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:10).

Dear readers, forgive me for assuming all would understand that Jesus is radically preeminent. The birth, life, and death of Jesus, while in man’s realm, are all exceptions to the rule. The Son of God existed before He was born of the virgin (John 1:1-3,14). God prepared Him a body by miraculous creation of the Holy Ghost in Mary’s womb (Heb. 10:5; Matt. 1:18-22; Luke 1:35). He lived a life of perfection toward God’s law (Matt. 5:17) and remained sinless though tempted to sin (Matt. 4:1-11; Heb. 4:15). He was NOT SUBJECT TO DEATH (John 19:10,11; 7:30; 14:30). He voluntarily gave Himself and became obedient unto death (Phil. 2:8). In His death, He died FOR OUR SINS, not His own, and became sin for us (II Cor. 5:21).

The syllogisms are based on arguments in the first affirmative, particularly I Cor. 15:22 and Rom. 3:23; 6:23. The only rebuttal is that Christ was not a sinner. I agree. Jesus was not subject to death, but said, “I lay down my life ... no man taketh if from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again (John 10:17,18).” The Bible says Joseph went to Egypt “...that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet ... (Matt. 2:14,15).” Mr. Deaton says that point 1 of syllogism three – all who are subject to death are sinners – is false. Prove it by scripture!

End, second affirmative.

Debate On Inherited Sin, First Negative

Written Debate On Inherited Sin, between Robert L. Vaughn, Mitchell Street Landmark Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, Texas, and Steven F. Deaton, Loop 287 Church of Christ, Lufkin, Texas: “The Scriptures teach that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all men are born sinners.” Robert Vaughn affirms; Steven Deaton denies.

Steven F. Deaton, First Negative Reply:

Mr. Vaughn states at the beginning that this is about the NATURE of man. So, this discussion is NOT about whether or not man sins, and it is NOT about whether or not men die a physical death as the result of Adam’s fall. It is about whether or not men are born with a depraved, sinful nature inherited from Adam.

Re: Romans 5:12, 18: These verses do not say, “All men have sinned in Adam.” They give a comparison and contrast of the actions and results of Adam and those of Christ. Adam introduced sin into the world, like AS Christ introduced a way of escape from sin. Notice Romans 5:19, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were MADE sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be MADE righteous.” Consider: Thomas Paine MADE many infidels, but was his infidelity transferred to them? No, by his actions he influenced many to reject the belief of God. Likewise, by the actions of Adam, many have been influenced to commit sin because he introduced it into the world.

Mr. Vaughn says, “The consequence (death) passed from father [Adam - sfd] to son [Cain, Able, Seth - sfd], therefore, the cause (sin) passed from father to son.” The Bible says, “The SOUL THAT SINNETH, IT shall die. The son SHALL NOT bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezekiel 18:20). Which will you believe?

We agree that Adam’s sin brought physical death upon all men because mankind was separated from the tree of life (Gen. 3:22-24). However, we deny that Adam’s sin brought spiritual death upon all men because each man is responsible for his own actions, and not those of another (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Ex. 32:33; Eze. 18:4, 20).

Our friend claims that John 1:29 is saying that Jesus took away the “ONE singular sin of THE WHOLE WORLD” which fell upon them as the consequence of Adam’s sin. If so, then how could all men be born with a sin nature? Note the verse, “...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Following Mr. Vaughn’s logic, this verse teaches that Jesus died to take away only “the ONE singular sin” which resulted from Adam’s fall. That means that Jesus did not die to take away the sin of fornication, idolatry, covetousness, etc. (cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-11). We do not charge Mr. Vaughn with believing such, but it is the consequence of his reasoning.

Several times Mr. Vaughn says that “the totality of the human race” comes under the umbrella of inherited sin from Adam. If that is so, then Jesus was born a “sinner - one that sins!” ”Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of FLESH AND BLOOD, HE ALSO himself likewise TOOK PART OF THE SAME... For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but HE TOOK ON HIM THE SEED OF ABRAHAM. WHEREFORE IN ALL THINGS IT BEHOVED HIM TO BE MADE LIKE UNTO HIS BRETHREN...”(Hebrews 2:14-17). ”And THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH...” (John 1:14). Dear reader, do you believe Jesus was born a “sinner - one that sins?”

In regard to Ephesians 2:3, our friend says that it proves men are born with a sinful nature. Notice, the verse does not say that! One can have an acquired nature through habitual practice of a thing. Some people are said to have a talent or skill that is “second nature,” that is, a thing which they have developed and are able to perform with ease. This is true of sin. Also, Mr. Vaughn says that HOMOSEXUALITY is against human nature (and I agree with that) but then why are some people practicing such? If we are sinners by NATURE, as Mr. Vaughn says, then why are some folks homosexuals AGAINST NATURE? Too, if man is born with a NATURE to sin, then how could Paul say, “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, DO BY NATURE the things contained in the law...” (Romans 2:14). Gentiles were said to do by NATURE that which was good! Can one be born with a depraved nature and have a nature that causes them to keep the law?

Mr. Vaughn asks why there has not been one man who has not sinned. The Bible says there has been--the God-Man, Jesus of Nazareth, who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Syllogisms must have a valid major premise (point 1) and minor premise (point 2) in order for the conclusion (point 3) to be true. Mr. Vaughn’s second and third syllogisms are invalid. In the second one, point 2 is invalid. Here he “begs the question” (assumes what is to be proven). Likewise, in the third syllogism, point 1 is false. Again, he “begs the question.” CONSIDER: SYLLOGISM 2: 1. All who die are in Adam; 2. All who are in Adam are sinners; 3. Therefore, all who die are sinners--IF So, Christ died, therefore, he must have been in Adam, and he must have been a sinner! SYLLOGISM 3: 1. All who are subject to death are sinners (Dear reader, was Christ “subject to death”?); 2. All infants are subjects to death (Baby Jesus was subject to death for Joseph fled with him into Egypt and later was recalled when all who sought the young child’s life were no longer a threat--Matt. 2:13-23); 3. Therefore, all infants are sinners (Thus, Christ was a sinner since he was obviously subject to death, else why flee into Egypt when the command came to slay those under two years of age?). Who can believe such?

Questions For Mr. Vaughn:

1. What caused Adam and Eve to sin? Why did they do it?
2. Was Jesus born a sinner? Why or why not?
3. According to your belief, what death, physical or spiritual, passed upon all men as the result of Adam’s fall?
4. The Bible defines sin as a transgression of law (1 Jn. 3:4). What law have infants transgressed in order to be born sinners?
5. If by the offense of ONE (Adam), all men were born sinners, then are all men saved (Universal Salvation) by the act of ONE (Jesus)?

End, first negative.

Debate On Inherited Sin, First Affirmative

Written Debate On Inherited Sin, between Robert L. Vaughn, Mitchell Street Landmark Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, Texas, and Steven F. Deaton, Loop 287 Church of Christ, Lufkin, Texas: “The Scriptures teach that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all men are born sinners.” Robert Vaughn affirms; Steven Deaton denies.

In 1998 Steven Deaton and I engaged in a written debate on the topic of “Inherited Sin.” I believe we inherit a nature to sin from our first ancestor Adam. Mr. Deaton does not. In his church column in the Lufkin Daily News, May 30, 1998, Steven Deaton challenged Baptists to a public discussion on depravity, offering the proposition “The Scriptures teach that man is born totally, hereditarily depraved and this complete corruption of his nature is the cause of all sin.” Mr. Deaton seemed to suggest someone other than himself engaging in the oral discussion. Recognizing that he was a good writer, and that I am not skilled for oral debate, I wrote Mr. Deaton and proposed that we engage in a written debate on depravity and salvation – which he readily accepted. We corresponded and agreed on the wording of the propositions and the terms of the debate.

We originally planned to publish the two-part debate in the newspaper on consecutive weeks – the first to be printed in the paper one week and the other following the next week. At about this time (October 5-9, 1998) David Bonner (Church of Christ) and Hoyt Chastain (Baptist) debated at the Lufkin Civic Center, Lufkin, Texas. Each affirmed that the church of which he was a member was scriptural in origin, name, doctrine, and practice. Mr. Deaton and I sped up the depravity debate to get it in the Lufkin and Nacogdoches newspapers prior to the Bonner-Chastain debate (I believe it appeared October 3, 1998), and then were not ready to follow up the next week with the salvation debate. Sometime afterward Mr. Deaton sent me his first affirmative on salvation, which I read, made notes on, and then stuck in a file eventually to be forgotten. I had several significant difficulties occurring at this time, and in addition we disbanded our church in Nacogdoches. Mr. Deaton later left Lufkin for Kentucky and that debate was forgotten. I take the primary blame due to my procrastination. At one time much later I contacted Mr. Deaton by e-mail about whether he might want to finish it to post on the Web, but received no reply. The inherited depravity debate is available in print (if you can find the old newspapers), as well as on the WatchmanMag.com web site. I’ve decided to make it available here on my blog for those who might never find it there.

This debate was necessarily brief because it was designed to fit on one page of newspaper print.

ARE YOU BORN IN SIN? Or are you born without sin? Mr. Steven Deaton and I invite you to consider the following proposition:

The Scriptures teach that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all men are born sinners.

DEFINITION OF THE PROPOSITION

• The Scriptures - 66 books inspired by God, often called the Holy Bible [quotations are from the King James Version].
• Teach - cause to know
• Result - something that arises as a consequence of
• Adam’s fall - Adam’s disobedience to God’s command (Genesis 2:16,17) and his subsequent separation from God (Gen. 3).
• All men - the whole number of the human race.
• Born - having certain characteristics from birth.
• Sinner - one that sins.

IMPORTANCE OF THE PROPOSITION

Why should I take time to read this? Is it important? Certainly! The Bible should define all Christian belief. On this subject hangs the very nature of man, the nature of his need, and the nature of his remedy. If we cannot determine the sickness, how can we determine the cure??

PROOF OF THE PROPOSITION

Romans 5:12, 18- Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned; Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Clearly, by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world. Death comes as a consequence of sin: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (Gen. 2:17). Death passed upon ALL MEN, not all adults! Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death.” The consequence (death) passed from father to son, therefore, the cause (sin) passed from father to son. Adam was created in God’s image and likeness (Gen. 1:26,27). Everything God made was very good (Gen. 1:31) and there was no death before Adam’s transgression of God’s covenant. Adam begat a son in HIS OWN likeness, after HIS image (Gen. 5:3). Adam, the son in his likeness, and successive generations, died. The intervening element was sin. Many are dead through the offence of ONE, Rom. 5:15. The offence of the one (Adam), not the many (his descendants), is offered as the CAUSE. The reign of death is not by the sins of all, but by the offence of ONE (Adam):...by ONE man’s offence death reigned...(Rom. 5:17). By the offence of ONE judgment came upon ALL...(Rom. 5:18).

By the one act of disobedience of Adam, judgment came upon all men to condemnation. To those who were brought into condemnation (all men), the free gift of justification to life was brought through the one righteous act of Jesus in His substitutionary death on the cross (Rom. 5:18). This guarantees that no one (infants included) will be condemned for Adam’s sin. Only those who do not believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God are condemned. He that believeth on him is not condemned (John 3:18). Jesus died to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). What is the ONE singular sin of THE WHOLE WORLD, both infants and adults? The sin which caused our sin nature! Jesus was sent to be the Saviour of the world, and is a special Saviour to those who believe (I John 4:14; I Tim. 4:10). In what sense can he be the Saviour of ALL MEN? His righteous act took away the Adamic sin for ALL!

1 Corinthians 15:22- For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. This is a parallel passage to Romans 5:12. The context is physical death and bodily resurrection. That ALL DIE IN ADAM directly and distinctly ties the source of death to Adam. All who are in Adam die. ALL DIE, even infants, therefore all are in Adam. All in Adam represents the totality of the human race.

The scriptures teach that both sin and death are universal and that one is the consequence of the other. As the consequence, so the cause. The universality of sin (the cause) and death (the consequence) indicate a common source for both. Romans 5:12 identifies that source - Adam. It is incredible to be asked to believe that ALL are born into the world pure and innocent, but ALL who live to an accountable age sin. How much more consistent that all are born sinners and that all sin. If all are born pure and innocent, it seems at least a few would live without sinning, yet the Bible declares that sin is universal - ALL HAVE SINNED. If all are BORN pure (without sin) and remain so until they choose to sin, how is it that in all the history of the human race, not even one solitary individual has chosen not to sin?

Some verses that teach the universality OF SIN: Rom. 3:23; Gal. 3:22; 1 Kings 8:46; Eccl. 7:20; OF DEATH: Heb. 9:27; 2 Sam. 14:14; Eccl. 3:20; Eccl. 8:8.

Ephesians 2:3- Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were BY NATURE the children of wrath, even as others. Here Paul declares what we are by nature and he implicates all in this nature. This word is used elsewhere in the New Testament to indicate the inherent character or basic constitution of a thing. For example: homosexuality is against the inherent NATURE of men and women, Rom. 1:26,27; uncircumcision is the way of NATURE (the way man is born), Rom. 2:27; those who were born Jews were Jews BY NATURE, Gal. 2:15. Those who are BY NATURE children of wrath are BORN children of wrath. If not, then how does one become a child of wrath?

Syllogism One

1. All people who are subject to death are in Adam.
2. All infants are subject to death.
3. Therefore, all infants are in Adam.

Syllogism Two

1. All who die are in Adam.
2. All who are in Adam are sinners.
3. Therefore, all who die are sinners.

Syllogism Three

1. All who are subject to death are sinners.
2. All infants are subject to death.
3. Therefore, all infants are sinners.

End, first affirmative.