The Trouble With Calvin – Pt. 1 [Total Depravity]

Tim Staples' Blog ^ | May 1, 2014 | Tim Staples

[HarleyD]

According to John Calvin, even those who have been justified by Christ “cannot perform one work which, if judged on its own merits, is not deserving of condemnation” (Institutes, Bk. III, Ch. 9, Para. 9).

This is actually in line with Catholic teaching from the Council of Orange:

CANON 7. If anyone affirms that we can form any right opinion or make any right choice which relates to the salvation of eternal life, as is expedient for us, or that we can be saved, that is, assent to the preaching of the gospel through our natural powers without the illumination and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who makes all men gladly assent to and believe in the truth, he is led astray by a heretical spirit, and does not understand the voice of God who says in the Gospel, "For apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5), and the word of the Apostle, "Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God" (2 Cor. 3:5).

Council of Orange

To think otherwise is Pelagism or semi-Pelagism.

Our Lord Himself stated that we were evil but, even in this state we knew how to give "good gifts". It isn't that we are basically good but only do a little bit of evil. Rather it is that we are basically evil but we do a little bit of good-but not godly good. If there is any doubt about this all one has to do is look around at the world today.

Man is depraved. As the Council of Orange reminds us, we can do nothing apart from God's help. Noah was made righteous not because he was living a spiffy life style. Rather because God was pleased to show Noah grace.

Likewise, God opens all our ears and eyes to hear the truth. Otherwise, we remain in our depravity. And we who are saved should never forget this fact.

Eph 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)