Subject: Two "wills" of God? |
Bible Note: Hi Tim, If one is to understand the 5 points of Calvinism he must first understand Total Depravity. Once that point is accepted as scriptural, the remaining points are more easily comprehended. You asked: would man have to always choose sin over righteousness? Yet, we know that not every sinner is as sinful as he can possibly be. Some go to greater depths of sin than others. So, it seems to me (based on this) that depravity doesn't not mean that even sinners always choose sin. Just curious how you view this! Total Depravity does not mean that man that each sinner is as totally or completely corrupt in his actions and thoughts as it is possible for him to be. Instead the adjective "total" is used to indicate thaat the whole of man's being is affected by sin.... The corruption extends to every part of man, his body and soul; sin has affected all (the totality) of man's faculties-his mind, his will, etc. As a result of this inborn corruption, the natural man is unable to do any spiritual good. (The 5 Points of Calvinism) Does man have to choose sin over righteousness? Yes. But he is not forced or coerced by God to to choose sin, for that would make God the author of sin. It is true that fallen man does do ethically good works. But these works do not equate to righteousness; "for without faith it is impossible to please God". The motive for the works are not to glorify God. At best they are an attempt to establish a seperate righteousness apart from God that will put Him under an obligation to bless the worker. Does this help? John |