Jesus and our sin

The Saviour of Sinners.

1 Timothy 1:15.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

’Twas a heaven below,
The Redeemer to know,
And the angels could do nothing more;
Than to fall at his feet,
And the story repeat,
And the Saviour of sinners adore!

Introduction.

The regular non-Calvinistic missionary Baptists (Fundamental Baptists, Independent Baptists, Landmark Baptists, Missionary Baptists, Southern Baptists) of the Southland have become weak on the subject of sin: (1) weak theologically, using language moving toward a nature with a tendency to sin and away from an inherent and inherited sin nature; and (2) weak practically, in preaching against sin, and disciplining sin in the church (e.g., so that known public wickedness is tolerated for members in a local church). Both problems go hand in glove. 

In theology, notice for example the change from the 1833 New Hampshire Confession of Faith to the 1963 Southern Baptist Faith and Message (with language still the same in 2000).

NHCOF: “…in consequence of [the fall] all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.”

BFAM: “Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation.”

Ephesians 2:3 clearly states we are “by nature the children of wrath.” The 1963 modified the state of the sinner in the world, so that the posterity of Adam inherit “a nature and an environment inclined to sin” rather than “being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God.” In an 1889 debate with Campbellite J. A. Harding, Baptist J. B. Moody’s strongly worded proposition on depravity read thusly: “The Scriptures teach that man is so depraved in mind and heart that he is unable without a direct enabling power of the Holy Spirit to obey the Gospel of the Son of God.” 

Jesus came to save sinners and forgive sins, but he was not weak on sin. His rhetoric clearly and forcefully condemns sin. Notice these teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sin is an internal, inherent matter.

Mark 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

Mark 7:20-23 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

There is none good, but God.

Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

“Being evil” is an apt description of mankind.

Matthew 7: 11 If ye then, being evil…

• In this lesson on prayer, Jesus teaches that all people are evil (not just that they do evil, but that they are evil).

The self-recognizing sinner is commended, and the self-righteous Pharisee condemned.

Luke 18:13-14 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other…

None are without sin.

John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

We owe a debt we cannot pay.

Matthew 18:24-25 ten thousand talents…he had not to pay… 32 I forgave thee all that debt

• God’s forgiveness of sin is like the King forgiving his servant a debt he could not pay.

All need repentance.

Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Conclusion.

Jesus and the Bible teaches our depravity is personal, inherited, complete. This whole person is affected by sin, in body, mind, spirit, and will, so that there is nothing good in any of us to commend to God. Only by the grace of God and Spirit of God can we be led to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. If we could pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, so to speak, The substitutionary crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross would be savage, senseless, and needlessly wrong. If we cannot determine the sickness, how can we determine the cure? God’s straight arrow of total depravity drives man from his self-reliance to a despair whose only relief is found by falling at the feet of a merciful Saviour!

If you do not properly abhor your sin, you cannot properly adore your Saviour.

The Days of Noah

…and the Days of Now.

Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that (1) every imagination of (2) the thoughts of his heart was (3) only evil (4) continually.

1. The wickedness of man is total, all-encompassing. 
2. The wickedness of man is inherent, internal.
3. The wickedness of man is impudent, unmitigated.
4. The wickedness of man is constant, unrelenting.

Total hereditary depravity.

Debate On Inherited Sin

Links to a Debate On Inherited Sin and Total hereditary depravity

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

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

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[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.

Wilberforce on Wickedness

“Wherever we direct our view, we discover the melancholy proofs of our depravity; whether we look to ancient or modern times, to barbarous or civilized nations, to the conduct of the world around us, or to the monitor within the breast; whether we read, or hear, or act, or think, or feel, the same humiliating lesson is forced upon us.” -- William Wilberforce

The Scorpion and the Frog

A scorpion, needing to get to the other side of the river, sees a frog on the bank. The 

scorpion asks, "Would you be so kind as to give me a ride on your back across the river?" 

The frog replies, "How do I know you won't sting me?" 

The scorpion says, "Because if I do you will drown and I will die too."

The frog is satisfied with the scorpion's reasoning, and they set out to cross the river. In midstream the scorpion stings the frog. The frog feels the pain and the onset of paralysis, and starts to sink. Knowing they both will drown, the frog gasps, "Why? Why did you do that?" 

Answers the scorpion: "It's my nature..."

The Farmer and the Viper

One winter a farmer found a snake half-dead, stiff and frozen with cold. He had compassion on it, and taking it up, placed it in his bosom. The snake was quickly revived by the warmth, and resuming its natural instincts, bit its benefactor, inflicting on him a fatal wound.  "Oh," cried the farmer with his last breath, "I am rightly served for pitying so villainous a creature."  

This old story of "The Farmer and the Viper" is attributed to Aesop's Fables. Variations crop up in other times and places. Its moral is usually given as something like: "The greatest kindness is wasted upon the evil." As such it would seem to advise against following Jesus's admonition to "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you." Another lesson we might take away from it is: "Don't be surprised when things act according to their nature." Johnny Rivers captured this angle in a song that was popular when I was a kid, titled The Snake.

On the way to work one morning

down the path along side the lake

A tender hearted woman

saw a poor half-frozen snake

His pretty colored skin

had been all frosted with the dew

"Oh, well" she cried, "I'll take you in

and I'll take care of you."

Chorus:

Take me in tender woman

Take me in for heaven's sake

Take me in tender woman

Sighed the snake.

She wrapped him up all cozy

in a comforter of silk

and then laid him by the fireside

with some honey and some milk

She hurried home from work that night

and as soon as she arrived

She found that pretty snake she'd taken in

had been revived.

Chorus

She clutched him to her bosom;

"You're so beautiful," she cried,

"but if I hadn't brought you in

by now you might have died."

Well she stroked his pretty skin again

and then kissed him really tight,

but instead of saying thanks

the snake gave her a vicious bite.

Chorus

"I saved you!" cried that woman

"and you've bitten me but why?"

"you know your bite is poisonous

and now I'm gonna die."

"Ha, ha, shut up, silly woman."

said that reptile with a grin.

"You knew darn well I was a snake

before you took me in."

Chorus

Oh, you better take me in sighed the snake.

O wretched man

"O wretched man that I am!" Romans 7:24

"...seeing the soul conflict which the Apostle passed through, and feeling a measure of the same in our own bosom, it encourages, supports, and leads the soul on to believe that this is the way in which the saints are called to travel, however rough, rugged, and perplexing it may be to them. Be assured, then, if you have never cried out from the depths of your soul, "O wretched man that I am!" you are dead in sin, or dead in a profession. If internal guilt, misery, and condemnation never forced that cry from your bosom, depend upon it, the life and power of God is not in your soul." -- J. C. Philpot

Monsters of Depravity

The Summing Up by English authour William Somerset Maugham is a somewhat autobiographical book of Maugham's life, philosophy and opinions. On p. 53 he muses about how individuals excuse in themselves what they condemn in others. His thoughts are quite intriguing, especially to consider that what we neatly hide and excuse within ourselves would, if known, expose us as monsters to others.

At first sight is curious that our own offences should seem to us so much less heinous than the offences of others. I suppose the reason is that we know all the circumstances that have occasioned them and so manage to excuse in ourselves what we cannot excuse in others. We turn our attention away from our own defects, and when we are forced by untoward events to consider them find it easy to condone them. For all I know we are right to do this; they are part of us and we must accept the good and the bad in ourselves together. But when we come to judge others it is not by ourselves as we really are that we judge them, but by an image that we have formed of ourselves from which we have left out everything that offends our vanity or would discredit us in the eyes of the world....We are shocked when we discover that great men were weak and petty, dishonest or selfish, sexually vicious, vain or intemperate; and many people think it disgraceful to disclose to the public its heroes' failings. There is not much to choose between men. They are all a hotchpotch* of greatness and littleness, of virtue and vice, of nobility and baseness. Some have more strength of character, or more opportunity, and so in one direction or another give their instincts freer play, but potentially they are the same. For my part I do not think I am any better or any worse than most people, but I know that if I set down every action in my life and every thought that has crossed my mind the world would consider me a monster of depravity.

*We in the southern U.S. might rather say "hodgepodge"

Shelton Speaks

An old divine one day, who had fought through many a battle for the souls of men, sat down and wrote to a young preacher in these words, "Never represent faith as being an act so SIMPLE that the work of the Spirit is not needed to produce it." Yet this is what is being done all over Christendom today. The majority of evangelists for the past hundred years have manifested a zeal for God which is not according to knowledge (Rom. 10:2).

Out of this preaching of the simplicity of the way of salvation, there has grown up today in our midst the doctrine of "BELIEVINGISM," which ignores Holy Spirit conviction and sets aside Bible repentance, and leaves the poor sinner resting upon a faith of his own that has no foundation. Out of the doctrine of "Believingism" has grown the stepchild of "DECISIONISM," a practice which is even more shallow and more deadly in its effect upon poor unawakened sinners. This has all grown out of one fact -- man's blindness as to WHO he is by nature, WHAT he is by nature, and the JUDGMENT he is under. In other words, man is failing to know and understand THE DOCTRINE OF TOTAL DEPRAVITY -- which is laughed at, made fun of, and denied in practically all religious circles of today -- is the underlying cause of the shallowness and mistaken conception of God's way of salvation.

L. R. Shelton, Copied from The Baptist Waymark, July-September 1998, p. 4

Depravity

"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 (English journalist, author, and satirist)

Helpless guilty nature

How helpless guilty nature lies,
Unconscious of its load!
The heart, unchanged, can never rise
To happiness and God.

Can aught, beneath a power divine,
The stubborn will subdue?
'Tis Thine, almighty Spirit! Thine,
To form the heart anew.

'Tis Thine, the passions to recall,
And upward bid them rise;
To make the scales of error fall
From reason's darkened eyes;

To chase the shades of death away,
And bid the sinner live;
A beam of Heaven, a vital ray,
'Tis Thine alone to give.

O change these wretched hearts of ours,
And give them life divine;
Then shall our passions and our powers
Almighty Lord! be Thine.

Anne Steele (1716-1778)
Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional, 1760