|
False
Doctrine: Calvin's Doctrine of
Total Inability
(i.e., Total Hereditary Depravity, Original Sin)
Bible
study on Calvinism: total inability, total hereditary depravity,
original sin.
|
|
|
Calvin is known as the founder of the Reformed Churches (Presbyterian Church).
He taught that each person's life perished, "having been extinguished by the sin
of Adam" (Calvin's
Commentary on 1 John 1:1), and that each person has a depraved nature (rf.
Institutes
of the Christian Religion by John Calvin). Therefore, Presbyterians believe
that each person inherits original sin from Adam and is born lost in sin being
hostile to God, slaves to Satan, and servants to sin (rf. Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.), The Book of Confessions).
|
|
Ezek. 18:4, 20;
cf. 2 Ki.
14:6
| God tells us that
we do not inherit anyone's sin (i.e., sin is not imputed upon us because of Adam's
sin or our father's sin). We sin after being tempted when we are carried
away and enticed by our own lusts (Ja. 1:13-15). We are neither born sinners nor
born eternally lost in sin.
|
|
Matt. 18:3-4; Lk. 18:16-17; 1 Cor. 14:20
|
Christians are those who have become as little children. Therefore, little
children are saved, not lost in sin. Children are not born in sin (i.e.,
sinners). Children are not born hostile to God, slaves to sin, and servants to
sin.
|