Doctrine of ManDoctrine of ManLectures 14Lectures 14

Part 4: Fallen ConditionPart 4: Fallen ConditionSection 3: The Effects of SinSection 3: The Effects of Sin

Particularly …Particularly …Total InabilityTotal Inability

Preface:Preface: The studies on the Adamic Administration have confronted us The studies on the Adamic Administration have confronted us

with the fallen condition of man. with the fallen condition of man. Part 4 examines in more detail the fallen condition of the man.Part 4 examines in more detail the fallen condition of the man. Our outline is as follows: Our outline is as follows:

Confessional Introduction: Observations on the Teaching and Sources Confessional Introduction: Observations on the Teaching and Sources of the 1689 Baptist Confessionof the 1689 Baptist Confession

Section 1: The Essence of SinSection 1: The Essence of Sin Section 2: The Solidarity or Union in SinSection 2: The Solidarity or Union in Sin Section 3: The Effects of SinSection 3: The Effects of Sin

In this lecture we come to Section 3 and focus attention on the In this lecture we come to Section 3 and focus attention on the doctrine of total inability and its practical challenges.doctrine of total inability and its practical challenges.

Introduction:Introduction: The effects of sin in ch 6 include total inability. The effects of sin in ch 6 include total inability. It needs special comment among the effects. It needs special comment among the effects. Because it is foundational to the doctrines of grace and Because it is foundational to the doctrines of grace and

assumed by the rest of them.assumed by the rest of them. Because it presents unusual practical challenges rightly to Because it presents unusual practical challenges rightly to

apply.apply.

Introduction:Introduction: The key confession statements:The key confession statements: Ch 9, par 3: Ch 9, par 3: Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath

wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation; so as a natural man, being accompanying salvation; so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able by his own strength to convert himself, or to prepare able by his own strength to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto. himself thereunto.

Ch 6, par 4: Ch 6, par 4: …we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and …we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil. made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil.

I. Its DefinitionI. Its Definition Total depravity and total inability--no difference?Total depravity and total inability--no difference? Total depravity properly and historically does imply total inability. Total depravity properly and historically does imply total inability. But there is a distinction.But there is a distinction. Total depravity=the corruption of every faculty or ability of man, Total depravity=the corruption of every faculty or ability of man,

the depravity of man in his totality. the depravity of man in his totality. 6:2: "wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body." 6:2: "wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body." Total inability= man is unable to will anything spiritually good. Total inability= man is unable to will anything spiritually good. 6:4: "we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all 6:4: "we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all

good, and wholly inclined to all evil." good, and wholly inclined to all evil." The definitive statement is 9:3:The definitive statement is 9:3: Man...hath wholly lost all ability of Man...hath wholly lost all ability of

will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation," and two stated will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation," and two stated consequences, "Man...is not able by his own strength to convert consequences, "Man...is not able by his own strength to convert himself or to prepare himself thereunto.himself or to prepare himself thereunto.

II. Its DefenseII. Its Defense A.A. The Scripture asserts that men in their natural condition The Scripture asserts that men in their natural condition

are enslaved, dead, and blind.are enslaved, dead, and blind. Rom 6:16 … you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of Rom 6:16 … you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of

sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? …. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to …. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.righteousness.

John 8:32 … the truth will make you free." …. 34 … everyone John 8:32 … the truth will make you free." …. 34 … everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.who commits sin is the slave of sin.

Eph 2:1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins …Eph 2:1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins … 2 Cor 4:4 … the god of this world has blinded the minds of the 2 Cor 4:4 … the god of this world has blinded the minds of the

unbelieving so that they might not see … unbelieving so that they might not see … John 3:3 … unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of John 3:3 … unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of

God."God."

II. Its DefenseII. Its Defense B.B. The Scripture asserts plainly and explicitly that man has The Scripture asserts plainly and explicitly that man has

lost the ability to please God, to do God's will, or perceive and lost the ability to please God, to do God's will, or perceive and receive the things of God.receive the things of God.

Rom 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in Rom 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh …my flesh …

Rom 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; Rom 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able able to do soto do so,,

1 Cor 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the 1 Cor 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them.understand them.

II. Its DefenseII. Its Defense B.B. The Scripture asserts plainly and explicitly that man has The Scripture asserts plainly and explicitly that man has

lost the ability to please God, to do God's will, or perceive and lost the ability to please God, to do God's will, or perceive and receive the things of God.receive the things of God.

Matthew 7:17 "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad Matthew 7:17 "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.18 "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor tree bears bad fruit.18 "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.can a bad tree produce good fruit.

John 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me John 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.

Jeremiah 13:23 "Can the Ethiopian change his skin Or the leopard Jeremiah 13:23 "Can the Ethiopian change his skin Or the leopard his spots? his spots? Then Then you also can do good …John 3:3 … unless one is you also can do good …John 3:3 … unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." … 5 … unless one born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." … 5 … unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.God.

II. Its DefenseII. Its Defense C.C. No man ever wills to receive Christ or come to God No man ever wills to receive Christ or come to God

apart from God's drawing. apart from God's drawing. John 5:40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may John 5:40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may

have life.have life. John 6:37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me .… 39 John 6:37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me .… 39

"This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

John 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me John 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:65 And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, John 6:65 And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father."the Father."

II. Its DefenseII. Its Defense C.C. No man ever wills to receive Christ or come to God No man ever wills to receive Christ or come to God

apart from God's drawing. apart from God's drawing. Acts 7:51 "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in Acts 7:51 "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in

heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.just as your fathers did.

Romans 3:10 as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, Romans 3:10 as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 11 THERE IS NONE WHO NOT EVEN ONE; 11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; 12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE 12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."

II. Its DefenseII. Its Defense D.D. The will of man is not the source or determining factor The will of man is not the source or determining factor

in the application of salvation. in the application of salvation. James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the

word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.creatures.

Romans 9:16 So then it Romans 9:16 So then it does does not not depend depend on the man who wills or on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy….18 So then He the man who runs, but on God who has mercy….18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to become children of God, even even to those who believe in His to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.nor of the will of man, but of God.

II. Its DefenseII. Its Defense E.E. Repentance and faith, those crucial duties laid on the Repentance and faith, those crucial duties laid on the

sinner in the gospel, are the gift of God.sinner in the gospel, are the gift of God. Acts 5:31 … a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, Acts 5:31 … a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel,

and forgiveness of sins.and forgiveness of sins. Acts 11:18 … "Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the Acts 11:18 … "Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the

repentance repentance that leads that leads to life."to life." 2 Tim 2:25 … if perhaps God may grant them repentance … 26 and 2 Tim 2:25 … if perhaps God may grant them repentance … 26 and

they may come to their senses they may come to their senses and escape and escape from the snare of the from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Phil 1:29 For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake … to Phil 1:29 For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake … to believe in Him …believe in Him …

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, not of yourselves, it is it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.that no one may boast.

III. Its Denials III. Its Denials A.A. It is inconsistent with the commands of the It is inconsistent with the commands of the

Bible.Bible. The premise underlying this objection is that if God The premise underlying this objection is that if God

commands men to repent, believe, or come to Christ, commands men to repent, believe, or come to Christ, they must be able to. they must be able to.

In other words, responsibility assumes ability. In other words, responsibility assumes ability. Several conclusive responses may be given to this denial Several conclusive responses may be given to this denial

of total inability.of total inability.

Responsibility Assumes Ability? Responsibility Assumes Ability? 1)1) This premise is contradicted by the clear teaching This premise is contradicted by the clear teaching

of Scripture. of Scripture. God commands men to believe, but the Bible teaches God commands men to believe, but the Bible teaches

that they cannot (Acts 16:31 with John 6:37, 40, 44, 65). that they cannot (Acts 16:31 with John 6:37, 40, 44, 65). God commands men to repent, but the Bible teaches that God commands men to repent, but the Bible teaches that

they cannot (Acts 2:38 with 2 Tim. 2:25, 26). they cannot (Acts 2:38 with 2 Tim. 2:25, 26). God commands men to make a new heart, but the Bible God commands men to make a new heart, but the Bible

teaches that they cannot (Ezek. 18:31 with Ezek. 11:19).teaches that they cannot (Ezek. 18:31 with Ezek. 11:19).

Responsibility Assumes Ability? Responsibility Assumes Ability? 2)2) This premise, if correct, would imply complete human This premise, if correct, would imply complete human

ability to give perfect, perpetual obedience to the law of God. ability to give perfect, perpetual obedience to the law of God. Because that is what God actually commands men to do.Because that is what God actually commands men to do.

3)3) This premise confuses natural or physical ability and This premise confuses natural or physical ability and moral or spiritual ability. moral or spiritual ability. In the 1689 natural liberty—par 1—and moral freedom—par 3-4 In the 1689 natural liberty—par 1—and moral freedom—par 3-4

differ.differ. Man is not lacking a will, or mind, or a heart or the emotions of love, Man is not lacking a will, or mind, or a heart or the emotions of love,

trust, or sorrow. trust, or sorrow. It would be wrong to command a child to jump over a wall 50 feet It would be wrong to command a child to jump over a wall 50 feet

high, but total inability is a moral issue. high, but total inability is a moral issue. It is like asking someone who hates you for a favor.It is like asking someone who hates you for a favor. The example of the drunken driverThe example of the drunken driver

Responsibility Assumes Ability? Responsibility Assumes Ability? 4)4) Its premise misunderstands the implications of the Its premise misunderstands the implications of the

commands and conditions of the Bible. commands and conditions of the Bible. The commands of the law cannot be changed. The commands of the law cannot be changed. The conditions of salvation must be kept. The conditions of salvation must be kept. These necessities, however, do not assume our moral These necessities, however, do not assume our moral

ability, but God’s saving grace. ability, but God’s saving grace.

III. Its Denials III. Its Denials B.B. It is inconsistent with realities of human life. It is inconsistent with realities of human life. Total inability appears to be an unrealistically harsh Total inability appears to be an unrealistically harsh

view of fallen humanity. view of fallen humanity. Aren't some unconverted men better than others? Aren't some unconverted men better than others? Don't they do righteous things?"Don't they do righteous things?" Yes, but we must distinguish between civil and spiritual Yes, but we must distinguish between civil and spiritual

righteousness, between common and saving grace. righteousness, between common and saving grace.

III. Its Denials III. Its Denials B.B. It is inconsistent with realities of human life. It is inconsistent with realities of human life. In the sense of civil righteousness good is attributed to In the sense of civil righteousness good is attributed to

unsaved men (2 Kings 10:29, 30; 12:2; Rom 2:14).unsaved men (2 Kings 10:29, 30; 12:2; Rom 2:14). A distinction is necessary because Scripture also teaches A distinction is necessary because Scripture also teaches

the unsaved cannot please God (Rom 3:10-12; 8:7-8; the unsaved cannot please God (Rom 3:10-12; 8:7-8; Heb 11:6; 2 Thess 3:2).Heb 11:6; 2 Thess 3:2).

Total inability does not mean that men are as bad as they Total inability does not mean that men are as bad as they can be, but that they are as bad off as they can be. can be, but that they are as bad off as they can be.

We must distinguish between absolute and total We must distinguish between absolute and total depravity. depravity.

III. Its Denials III. Its Denials C.C. It is inconsistent with the practical needs of the It is inconsistent with the practical needs of the

sinner and produces despair.sinner and produces despair. Some have abused the doctrine, but properly understood, this Some have abused the doctrine, but properly understood, this

doctrine does not tend despair. doctrine does not tend despair. Hopelessness and despair presuppose some willingness to be Hopelessness and despair presuppose some willingness to be

saved. saved. The doctrine is not that men are willing, but unable. The doctrine is not that men are willing, but unable. Total inability means that no one is willing until God works. Total inability means that no one is willing until God works. Despair of human resources is the necessary preparation for Despair of human resources is the necessary preparation for

the gospel. the gospel. Human sufficiency is the true hindrance. Human sufficiency is the true hindrance. The man in the burning house with locked doors …The man in the burning house with locked doors …

III. Its Denials III. Its Denials D.D. It is inconsistent with the sincerity of God.It is inconsistent with the sincerity of God. How can God sincerely offer mercy to men when He How can God sincerely offer mercy to men when He

knows that unless he draws them they will never come? knows that unless he draws them they will never come? There is a real difficulty. There is a real difficulty. But it is not just with the total inability, but with other But it is not just with the total inability, but with other

clearly biblical doctrines.clearly biblical doctrines. For instance, how can He sincerely offer mercy to those For instance, how can He sincerely offer mercy to those

whom He foreknows will not come, even if He merely whom He foreknows will not come, even if He merely foreknows they will not come?foreknows they will not come?

III. Its Denials III. Its Denials D.D. It is inconsistent with the sincerity of God.It is inconsistent with the sincerity of God. Similarly, the Bible clearly teaches that God offers mercy to Similarly, the Bible clearly teaches that God offers mercy to

wicked men, but the Bible teaches that men cannot come. wicked men, but the Bible teaches that men cannot come. This problem is caused by the Bible—not a system of theology. This problem is caused by the Bible—not a system of theology. This problem reduces to the fundamental tension between the This problem reduces to the fundamental tension between the

decretive and preceptive will of God. decretive and preceptive will of God. The presence of such a mystery does not disprove either side of the The presence of such a mystery does not disprove either side of the

tension, but calls for humble submission. tension, but calls for humble submission. We must simply believe that God is sincere and has a good reason We must simply believe that God is sincere and has a good reason

for calling men who are totally unable to come and whom he for calling men who are totally unable to come and whom he foreknows will not come.foreknows will not come.

IV. Its Distortion IV. Its Distortion The Confession denies that man can even prepare himself for The Confession denies that man can even prepare himself for

salvation.salvation. 9:3 9:3 Man … is not able by his own strength to convert himself, or to Man … is not able by his own strength to convert himself, or to

prepare himself thereunto.prepare himself thereunto. Still some individuals have taught a kind of preparationism on the Still some individuals have taught a kind of preparationism on the

basis of total inability.basis of total inability. Preparationism tells men that they must do something before they Preparationism tells men that they must do something before they

believe in Christ and repent of their sin in order to be saved.believe in Christ and repent of their sin in order to be saved. They reason, They reason,

Since men cannot come to Christ, Since men cannot come to Christ, I need to have something to tell them.I need to have something to tell them. They should do something else first to prepare themselves for salvationThey should do something else first to prepare themselves for salvation ——like pray for a new heart. like pray for a new heart.

IV. Its Distortion IV. Its Distortion Such reasoning is false as a number of arguments show.Such reasoning is false as a number of arguments show. (1) Before faith nothing men do pleases God—not even praying (1) Before faith nothing men do pleases God—not even praying

for a new heart.for a new heart. Heb 11:6 Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he

who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.rewarder of those who seek Him.

(2) Men ought not to be told to pray without faith and a mediator.(2) Men ought not to be told to pray without faith and a mediator. If they are told to pray for a new heart before or instead of If they are told to pray for a new heart before or instead of

believing, this is precisely what they are being encouraged to do.believing, this is precisely what they are being encouraged to do.

IV. Its Distortion IV. Its Distortion Such reasoning is false as a number of arguments Such reasoning is false as a number of arguments

show.show. (3) If men are concerned after hearing the gospel, they (3) If men are concerned after hearing the gospel, they

ought to be told to repent and believe to deal with their ought to be told to repent and believe to deal with their concern. concern.

Total inability is fundamentally a matter of the will.Total inability is fundamentally a matter of the will. If people are concerned and willing to be saved, the If people are concerned and willing to be saved, the

proper advice is “repent and believe the gospel.”proper advice is “repent and believe the gospel.” To tell concerned sinners something else is literally To tell concerned sinners something else is literally

another gospel.another gospel.

IV. Its Distortion IV. Its Distortion Such reasoning is false as a number of arguments Such reasoning is false as a number of arguments

show.show. (4) To tell men to do anything to be saved besides, (4) To tell men to do anything to be saved besides,

"Repent and believe the gospel!" is not the biblical "Repent and believe the gospel!" is not the biblical gospel.gospel.

We may be deceived into giving some other advice to We may be deceived into giving some other advice to some so-called poor sinner.some so-called poor sinner.

But if such advice is given instead of the terms of the But if such advice is given instead of the terms of the gospel, it is misguided.gospel, it is misguided.

IV. Its Distortion IV. Its Distortion Such reasoning is false as a number of arguments show.Such reasoning is false as a number of arguments show. (5) Where is there any precedent in the Bible to tell those who (5) Where is there any precedent in the Bible to tell those who

have heard the gospel to do anything beside repenting and have heard the gospel to do anything beside repenting and believing and the gospel?believing and the gospel?

The Bible has only one solution for sinners.The Bible has only one solution for sinners. Flee to Christ from the wrath to come!Flee to Christ from the wrath to come! (6) If telling someone to pray for a new heart is simply a way of (6) If telling someone to pray for a new heart is simply a way of

calling them to faith and not a preparation for faith, then this not calling them to faith and not a preparation for faith, then this not preparationism. preparationism.

It would be, however, a very subjective way of describing faith and It would be, however, a very subjective way of describing faith and repentance and probably unhelpful.repentance and probably unhelpful.