[Corin Stormhands]

What happened was my systematic theology had taken the place of Scripture in my mind. I believed, and still believe, in Total Depravity, so to suggest that the flesh (which I inadvertantly equated with the sinful nature -- and I'm certainly not alone) could desire God was unthinkable to me.

I believe that the flesh of every man, even in his sinful state cries out for God. But until we come into a relationship with Him, we do not understand What, or Who, we need.

"Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever." I believe that need to glorify God and enjoy him forever is within every man.

[jude24]

I don't agree -- Ps. 84:2 was clearly written by a regenerate believer. To extrapolate that to all men is a critical mistake.

Natural man cannot even reach out to God. ICo. 1-3 and Romans 8 makes that abundantly clear.

All I was trying to say is that, while man is totally depraved in that he cannot independantly even desire to follow God, he is not wholly ruined in that once God works in him, he cannot even with his body desire to serve God.

[CCWoody]

I believe that need to glorify God and enjoy him forever is within every man. ~ CS

Fortunately, we have the Bible to dispel such Pelagian crap:


• For I know, that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing:....
  (Rom 7:18 GB)

Woody.

P.S. Gamecock, do you suppose that "Jesus-on-a-Rope" is good for the Arminians to wash their mouth out with soap when they say heretical things?