The Human Condition

I want to pick back up briefly on the whole Calvinist vs. Arminian debate with perhaps the easiest and most fundamental discussion in this debacle.... the human condition.  Reformed Theologians (Calvinistic in nature) would argue for the total depravity of man.  That concept seems overcomplicated, so let's simplify it for the everyday church member.   The depravity of man simple means that we are all woefully sinful before God and in need of help! 

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... Romans 3:23 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23 (NIV)

This condition is perhaps best described in Romans 3:10-18 where Paul literally recalls Psalms 3, Psalms 51, and Ecclesiastes 7 and says "None is righteous, no not one."  Our human condition is hopeless because our every inclination is toward sin and disobedience to God!  It began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Even and continues throughout all generations!  The only exception to this rule is Jesus Christ because of His origin and righteousness!   We, however, are all messed up and in need of help!

Another beautiful picture of this is Isaiah's confession as his vision puts Him into the Presence of God and he recalls his predicament.  He acknowledges, "Woe is me!  For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King the Lord of hosts!" (Isaiah 6:5)  He acknowledges his inadaqucies and the enitre people around him's inability to stand in the Presence of a holy God based on their sinfulness!  This is our confession today as well!  

The beauty is in the BUT!  Recall Romans 6:23 above.  Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension proves God's plan of redemption and salvation and offers us pardon, reconciliation, and restoration in the good graces of a loving God!  Our awareness of our position makes us appreciate and praise our Savior all the more!  By grace we have been saved through faith!  

As far as the whole Calvinists and Arminian debate, score 1 for the Reformed on this one.   Biblically there is no denying the doctrine of total depravity!  As I occasionally jump back into this discussion in this blog, remember that the author is neither fully "Hyper-Calvinists" nor am I "Arminian" in my affiliation.  I am convinced that the Biblical view migrates in the middle.   I believe in the Total Depravity of Man and the Perseverance of the Saints.  There is some truth to the other three main tenants of Reformed Theology, but perhaps not to the degree in which they are taught!  We will leave this discussion for yet another day!  Go live in light of God's grace!