Smoodock's Blog

The teaching of man’s depravity is one that is perfectly Biblical. The doctrine of Original Sin was developed by Augustine, and those who hold to a low opinion of Jesus, that is, those who believe Jesus was only a man, often repudiate Augustine for his understanding. Many even imply that his insight comes not from the word of God but from the pagan philosopher, Plato. I do not wish to defend Augustine per se or bring us into a study of Plato’s dualism. Nevertheless I do believe the Bible supports the doctrine of man’s depravity due to Adam’s rebellion and his need of a Savior.

The Jews especially must believe that man’s current condition is not corrupt, and that he can be received into eternal life without a blood sacrifice. However, as I shall show through the use of God’s word, this is not true. If the Jews were to believe that man’s spirit had been damaged in Adam’s rebellion to the extent that he is in desperate need of a Savior, it would raise questions concerning how God could forgive sins and perhaps open the door to receiving Jesus as the Blood Ransom for mankind. The concept of God becoming man and dying for the sins of mankind is both repugnant and illogical according to their theology. However, if it can be shown that man cannot help himself, as far as salvation is concerned, then a way must be found to show that mankind will be redeemed, because the word of God clearly says that it is God’s intention that man would live with him forever.

The Jews aren’t the only people who reject the teaching of man’s depravity or his ‘original’ sin. I have spoken with Christians who reject the idea. Of course, those of other faiths reject the idea and agnostics and atheist naturally would reject this teaching. The common denominator in it all, however, is that Jesus is not God, according to all who reject the teaching that man has become inept—as far as being able to help himself live forever is concerned. Agnostics and atheists, of course, don’t look to live forever, though some may look to science to someday enable man to live much longer than he does. But, those of us who are religious and believe in the possibility of living forever believe: either we need a Savior for that to happen, or we will be given eternal life through some merit of our own.

We will be commemorating the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ in less than two weeks. I thought I’d write a series of blogs that would point to our need for a Savior. I don’t normally speak about our sins, but, perhaps, speaking about how much we have missed the mark—how much we are in need of mercy—will help us appreciate the one who has provided that mercy for us. Whether anyone who reads my blog during this time is one who does hold a low view of Jesus—i.e. he was only a man—is entirely up to God. However, if someone does come by, I invite your comments, or challenges. If you think I have abused the Scriptures, innocently or with purpose, say so if you have a mind to. If I cannot respond intelligently with a compelling argument to support my position, then shame on me!

Anyway, I was wondering what to do next. I finished my study in Galatians and found myself in a kind of mental vacuum wondering about what to write next. I thought of going through another book but decided on this instead. I hope it will be as rewarding for me that my past two studies on Galatians and Acts have been, but we’ll see, and if what I write could be rewarding to others, well that would best of all.

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