Defing Total Depravity - Colossians 1

[Phat8594]

Where someone gives

Well, if Calvin has shortcomings, what does that say about you who have not invested the years of study that Calvin did? It means that you have a long way to go just to reach the shortcomings of Calvin.

Just realized that you assumed Calvin has studied more than me...but yeah he has.

Secondly, all my statement says about me is that I hold the Bible above Calvin and not the other way around. Systematic theologies and Calvin are fallible...and so am I. But again, I realize that although Calvin might have studied alot, that does not make him the be all end all of the Bible. The be all end all is Christ, and Christ alone.

So in the end, I'd rather use all the resources we have today (which are greater than what Calvin had) and use them to study the Bible for myself. How am I supposed to know if Calvin is right or not if I am too afraid to study the Bible for myself without the help of Calvin?

[rhutchin]

And too bad those apostles studied far less than the pharisees of the day...shucks. Fortunately for us, length of time studying does not determine the extent of correctness on any given issue.

Given that you are not an apostle and do not have the benefit of sitting under the teaching of Jesus, perhaps length of time studying will determine how well you can understand the Bible. Of course, maybe your presuppositions will override any understanding you might have been able to achieve through studying. Who knows?

[Nang]

We read:

Colossians 1:13

[God] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Colossians 1:21

And you, that were [once] alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

We read here of the comparison of the Colossian believers to that which they once were. They were once subject to the power of darkness. They had been alienated from God and enemies of God by wicked works.

When Calvinists use the term "Total Depravity" to describe the lost, they refer to unbelievers as, among other things, under the power of darkness, alienated from God and enemies of God.

Hello rhutchins,

Just checking in and find you defending the most important aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Good for you!

Until the sinner is convicted of his absolute and total corruption, he will not repent. Instead, he will search to find corners of his soul that he thinks still harbor virtue and light. But such are not there.

Only through trusting by faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and being regenerated to new spiritual life by the grace and power of God, will any man find light to fill and save his soul.

Blessings,
Nang

[rhutchin]

Well I am glad to hear that your church does not allow women to braid their hair and makes sure they don't talk.

Now that you mention it, I don't think any women in my church do braid their hair.

[Phat8594]

Now that you mention it, I don't think any women in my church do braid their hair

Now dont forget the head coverings and silence too.

[Phat8594]

Just checking in and find you defending the most important aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Although I would say that a sinner needs to be convicted of his sin....I am still wondering Calvinism became the most important aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

[Rdr. Arsenios]

Hello rhutchins,

Just checking in....

Only through trusting by faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and being regenerated to new spiritual life by the grace and power of God, will any man find light to fill and save his soul.

Blessings,
Nang

My Dear Friend!



Season's Greetings!


Arsenios

[Rdr. Arsenios]

I don't think any women in my church do braid their hair.

http://www.pravoslavie.ru/put/50715.htm

A.

[rhutchin]

I am still wondering Calvinism became the most important aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Nang was referring to the concept of Total Depravity describing an important aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Phat8594]

Nang was referring to the concept of Total Depravity describing an important aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

OK.

So I am still wondering when the Calvinist idea of Total Depravity / Inability became the most important part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[rhutchin]

So I am still wondering when the Calvinist idea of Total Depravity / Inability became the most important part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Actually, it is one of five key concepts in Calvinism. It is important because we have to understand the true state of unbelievers to understand that which God had to do and must do to save those who are lost.

[Rdr. Arsenios]

Total Depravity

Actually, it is one of five key concepts in Calvinism. It is important because we have to understand the true state of unbelievers to understand that which God had to do and must do to save those who are lost.

I have a couple of questions...
1: Is a newborn baby totally depraved?
2: Is a baby in its mother's womb totally depraved?
3: Is a human zygote at the moment of conception totally depraved?
4: Is a 2 year old infant totally depraved?
5: Is the murderer and devourer of unborn babies totally depraved?

I mean, it just seems like only 5 deserves a yes answer...
Depravity is just a wrong word...

If #5 becomes a BELIEVER, is he THEN NOT totally depraved?

Arsenios

[Phat8594]

I have a couple of questions... 1: Is a newborn baby totally depraved? 2: Is a baby in its mother's womb totally depraved? 3: Is a human zygote at the moment of conception totally depraved? 4: Is a 2 year old infant totally depraved? 5: Is the murderer and devourer of unborn babies totally depraved?

In the Calvinist world, the answer to all five would have to be yes, unless anyone of them (including 5) has been chosen to be unconditionally elected and has been regenerated.

[Rdr. Arsenios]

In the Calvinist world, the answer to all five would have to be yes, unless anyone of them (including 5) has been chosen to be unconditionally elected and has been regenerated.

That is my fear for them...

Arsenios

[rhutchin]

I have a couple of questions...
1: Is a newborn baby totally depraved?
2: Is a baby in its mother's womb totally depraved?
3: Is a human zygote at the moment of conception totally depraved?
4: Is a 2 year old infant totally depraved?
5: Is the murderer and devourer of unborn babies totally depraved?

I mean, it just seems like only 5 deserves a yes answer...
Depravity is just a wrong word...

All unbelievers are totally depraved which is to say that they are what we have seen described in Ephesians 2, Romans 8, and Colossians 1. If this does not apply to your first four categories, then those people you describe are believers who serve Christ. If so, then all are born saved and remain saved until they give up their salvation.

If #5 becomes a BELIEVER, is he THEN NOT totally depraved?

Yep. Only unbelievers can be described as Totally Depraved.