Total Depravity and the Gospel
"If man is TOTALLY depraved he CANNOT believe." (Elder Dan Samons)
This simple observation is perhaps the biggest theological bone of contention between Primitive Baptists and essentially all others who claim to believe TULIP. Stated plainly: The teaching that a natural man can be converted by the gospel is a denial of total depravity. The truth is that regeneration downgrades depravity from TOTAL to PARTIAL by providing a new nature, born of the Spirit of God with new inclinations. This change is a temporal prerequisite for gospel reception because:
"Except a man be born again he CANNOT SEE the kingdom of God" (John 3:3)
What is the gospel if not a proclamation of the kingdom? This truth remains as baffling to the garden variety evangelical today as it was to Nicodemus 2000 years ago.
"He who is OF GOD heareth God's words." (John 8:47)
Many in the TULIP camp believe "He who is NOT of God heareth God's words and is subsequently regenerated thereby." That too is a profession of Nicodemian darkness.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith TO FAITH: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)
Faith is the mailbox required for receipt of the gospel revelation of Christ's righteousness. No mailbox. No mail.
This aspect of total depravity has come up in several conversations this week and it reminds me of why I am a Primitive Baptist, and for that I am thankful.
An object of mercy,
- Elder Daniel Samons