Calvin’s TULIP Part II: Total Hereditary Depravity

Last time I spoke of the doctrine of John Calvin and the acronym “TULIP” by which it can be remembered.  I made the allegation that each tenet of Calvin’s doctrine, while accepted by most denominations today, is contradictory to plain Bible teaching.  In this article, we will simply compare the first of these doctrines, Total Hereditary Depravity, with what the Bible says.

Total Hereditary Depravity is the idea that all men inherit Adam’s Sin; they are inherently sinners, and thus condemned, from birth.  This is commonly called the doctrine of “Original Sin.” According to this doctrine, even children are guilty of Adam’s sin and thus condemned.  It is from this doctrine that infant baptism arose.  What does the Bible say about “Original Sin?”  Look at these verses (all emphasis added by me, MDJ):

• But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. 2 Samuel 12:23 (Spoken by King David in regard to his infant son who had died.)
• Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ezekiel 18:4
• …That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity (sin, MDJ) of his father, he shall surely live. Ezekiel 18:17
• Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
• Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Mark 10:15
• For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

What does the Bible say about “Original Sin?”  Nothing.  It is a doctrine of man; God’s doctrine is much simpler:  The soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Until next time, let me encourage you to search the scriptures daily, whether these things are so.  Acts 17:11

Copyright 2009 Mance J. Davis Jr.