Total Depravity   Genesis 4:4-5

This post questions total depravity as a characteristic of humans.

‘Total Depravity’ as a post uses a Bible example to illustrate total depravity as not a possibility as a part of human existence.

Calvinism as taught by John Calvin consists of five principles of salvation: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible grace, and Preservation of the Elect. This blog covers total depravity. Later, other posts will cover the other four.

Sin resulted from Adam’s sin, Romans 5:12. “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man…” Thus, Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden. Then, many people ascribed total depravity to Adam and Eve and their offspring.

So, definition of total depravity: Corrupt in entire being and wholly incapable of doing anything good.

After the garden, Eve gave birth to Cain and Abel. If total depravity came from Adam’s sin, then total depravity characterized both children.

However, consider their actions in worshipping God. Both attempted to worship God, Genesis 4:3-4. “… Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions.”

We know that God gave instructions on worship. Abel offered by faith, Hebrews 11:4. “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain…”

Thus, Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice. Cain did not, Genesis 4:4-5. “And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.”

These two individuals lived after Adam sinned. If they were in a state of total depravity, how could they conceive of a totally good thing, worshipping God? Instead, both boys chose their own actions. Obviously, from birth their lives did not exhibit total depravity.

The list of people who chose to do good—Enoch, Noah, Abraham, David, and the prophets—goes throughout the Old Testament. Again, their lives did not show total depravity. They chose to do good.

Obviously, we, too, can choose to do good or evil. Total depravity does not appear in our lives at birth.

So, what did we learn?

1.Bible people illustrate the absence of total depravity at birth.

2.We choose whether we do good or evil.

For more on the Bible  click https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

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