TOTAL DEPRAVITY Debunked

 

 

Many Calvinists insists that immediately subsequent to the Adamic fall mortal man no longer had/has personal possession of his ruach (spirit).  Thus, from the immediate Adamic fall onwards it is suggested by Calvinists that the nephesh (soul) both then and now absolutely possesses and controls sinful man’s ruach through the instrument and agency of absolutely desired sin.  Moreover, Calvinists insists “total depravity” is not absolute in nephesh capabilities (it can grow even more sinful) but rather is absolute as to the component construct and design of the nephesh itself – i.e. absolutely ALL cognitive faculties (mind, will, emotions, etc.) are “partially” infected by moral decay.  Hence, total moral depravity.

 

Depravity occurs in nephesh, or psyche, not in ruach, or pneuma. “Total depravity” does not mean that each man is depraved as much as he is capable of being, it means that each man is depraved in all his faculties (i.e., mind, will, affections, etc.).

 

However, Calvinists make no attempt to reconcile their notion of “total depravity” of the nephesh (soul) with Gen. 3:22 and YHWH’s pointed declaration regarding the literal moral capabilities of fallen man immediately subsequent to the initial Adamic failure itself, as to now having the moral knowledge and construct capabilities of both moral GOOD and moral EVIL as well - and as such is equally like/as one out of the Elohim (to know good and evil).

 

This is in sharp contrast to the Calvinist’s insisted claim of “total depravity” of the soul which is declared to, as a consequence thereof, now absolutely possesses the spirit of man.  While Calvinists expound upon the negative EVIL depraved moral capabilities of the sinful creature man they never enlighten us as to the equal construct of the positive GOOD moral capabilities of man, nor do they ever reveal just actually where that good moral capability resides - as to whether in the nephesh (soul) or the ruach (spirit). 

 

Nonetheless, according to Gen. 3:22 the moral “GOOD” must indeed equally reside within the mortal man composite construct as well.

 

Going forwards, when we analytically look at Heb. 4:12 - in this particular Passage we see that the “soul” is distinctive from the “spirit” and that the “joint” is equally distinctive from the “marrow”.  As such, in Heb. 4:12 apostle Paul laid down literal penetration markers (soul-spirit separator and joints separator - the marrow) as to what degree the quick and sharp power of the WORD was capable of piercing into.

 

Moreover, when looking at the soul-spirit relationship they are revealed to be divided by the greek noun “merismos” (separation – i.e. a separator).

 

However, when we look at the comparative joint-marrow there is no implied “separator” if we suggest that the “marrow” is defined to be the literal “bone morrow”, and as per this suggested analysis the “marrow (bone)” would then be completely enclosed within the stated “joint (bone)” itself. 

 

Therefore, by comparative analysis this would then imply that the “spirit” would be completely enclosed by the “soul” – i.e. the figurative circle within the circle.

 

However, this suggested construct of Heb. 4:12 seems somewhat problematic in regards to apostle Paul’s 2Cor. 6:16, et. al., where he declared that “Ye are the Temple of the Living God...”  Implying that the physical structural Temple of God under the Mosaic Law has now been replaced by the mortal human body as the symbolic Temple of the Living God in respect to the New Covenant of Grace.

 

As such, seeing then that the Temple of God under the Mosaic Law and the Temple of God under the New Covenant of Grace are both “trichotomous” – then by direct comparative analysis the Mosaic Temple of God consisted of the physical structure itself which enclosed the Holy Place then the Veil of Separation and then the Holy of Holies (most Holy Place). 

 

Moreover, if we look at the actual greek text (TR) of 1 Thess. 5:23 we find that the spiritsoulbody are each preceded grammatically by the greek definite article “THE” and separated by the greek conjunction “kai”.  Thus, we have THE spirit and THE soul and THE body.  Therefore, we have a “trichotomously” designed man.

 

To this end, 1 Thess. 5:23 and Heb. 4:12 then reveals the literal “markers” that are penetrated by the WORD – hence, Body-Soul-Spirit to the inner most “marker” of the greek “merismos” (separator).

 

Thus, it is only logical then that there must be some literal entities for the quick and sharp WORD to penetrate.  You cannot plunge a figurative sharp knife into nothingness – there must be a marker(s).

 

As such, 1 Thess. 5:23 and Heb. 4:12 then reveals the literal “markers” that are penetrated by the powerful WORD – hence, Body-Soul-Spirit to the inner most “markers” of the greek "merismos" and "myleos" (separators).

 

However, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies which were “separated” by the Veil were LINEAR.

 

Thus, the Holy of Holies was not completely enclosed by the Holy Place – but as stated they were linear...i.e. NOT a figurative circle within a circle.

 

Meanwhile, please note that apostle Paul in Heb. 4:12 did not say to the “bone and marrow” but rather to the “joints and morrow”, and as we all know a joint is where two objects (bones) are joined together – just as the comparative soul and spirit are suggested to be joined together – but divided by a “separator”.

 

Therefore, it can be suggested that the “marrow” (equally defined as the innermost part, etc.) is the “SEPARATOR” (i.e. figurative cartilage) between the joints like the separator of the soul and spirit – but they are LINEAR and not a figurative circle within a circle.

 

I said all of the above to suggest that the mortal human spirit is not completely enclosed and encapsulated by the soul but rather each component of soul and spirit is autonomously independent - one of the other and divided by an innermost “separator”.  Hence, they are linear.

 

Thus, my theological challenge to Calvinists is to present Scriptural evidence, not of circumstantial inferences, but rather of direct factual proof that mortal man immediately subsequent to the Adamic fall no longer personally possesses his Elohim nəthanah (given) ruach (spirit) – but as they suggest, the creature’s spirit is now “absolutely” possessed by his sinfully thirsty nephesh (soul).

 

For example, with respect to the notion of “total depravity” how can the man of Proverbs 28:13, “CONFESS” his sins resulting in God’s mercy if that man’s soul/spirit is absolutely possessed of total depravity and he has no free-will to do so? 

 

Proverbs 28:13 (KJV)
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Likewise, how can the sinner man of Is. 55:6-7 “call upon the Lord” and forsake his unrighteous thoughts returning unto the Lord for His subsequent mercy and pardon if his soul/spirit was absolutely possessed of total depravity and has no free-will nor capability to do so?  Thus, Adam was once innocent but willfully chose to LEAVE the Lord.  Therefore, man must abandon his sinful ways and RETURN unto and call upon the Lord.

 

Isaiah 55:6-7 (KJV)
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Moreover, how could the sinner Gentile Canaanite women of Matt. 15:22-28, having great faith plead for Yeshua’s mercy and “worship” Him if she was a “dog” Gentile and her soul/spirit was absolutely possessed of total depravity and she had no free-will nor capability to do so? 

 

Matthew 15:22-28 (KJV)
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Again, how could the sinner Roman centurion of Matt. 8:5-13 have exemplary FAITH in Yeshua if his soul/spirit was absolutely possessed of total depravity and he had no free-will nor capability to do so?

 

Matthew 8:5-13 (KJV)
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Even more, how could the sinner Publican of Lk. 18:9-14 have pleaded for God’s mercy if his soul/spirit was absolutely possessed of total depravity and he had no free-will nor capability to do so?

 

Luke 18:9-14 (KJV)
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:
for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Moreover, how can ANY man (a sinner) of Jn. 7:17 will/choose/desire to do God’s will if his soul/spirit is absolutely possessed of total depravity and has no free-will nor capability to do so? 

 

John 7:17 (KJV)
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Again, how could the BIDDEN Jews have CHOSEN to refuse the “call” of God in Matt. 22:1-8 (see also Matt. 23:37) if their souls/spirits were absolutely possessed of total depravity and they had no free-will nor capability to do so? 

 

Matthew 22:1-8 (KJV)
1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

How could the sinners of Proverbs 1:29 have CHOSEN not to fear the Lord if their souls/spirits were absolutely possessed of total depravity and they had no free-will nor capability to do so?   

 

Proverbs 1:29 (KJV)
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Furthermore, how could YHWH have said unto Cain in Gen. 4:6 regarding his (Cain’s) doing of either well or not well if Cain’s soul/spirit was absolutely possessed of total depravity and he had no free-will nor capability to do so?

 

Genesis 4:7 (KJV)
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Finally, how could the Hebrew children have CHOSEN the God in whom they would serve if their souls/spirits were absolutely possessed of total depravity and they had no free-will nor capability to do so?

 

Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Therefore, Calvinists reader PLEASE be so kind as to not ‘infer’ resolutions to the above total depravity concerns but rather show factual Scriptures of how a sinner that is totally depraved could have done these things towards God.   

 

Going forwards, Calvinists declare that Jn. 6:37-40 teaches both “IRRESISTABLE and UNCONDITIONAL GRACE”

 

The KEY to understanding Jn. 6:37- 40 is quite simple indeed – and is found in the included context of Jn. 6:39 - 40.

 

Jesus declared in Jn. 6:44 that no man could COME unto Him unless he first be drawn by the Father.

 

John 6:44 (KJV)
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Therefore, how do we COME (be drawn) to the Father?

 

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

To this end, how do we get FAITH?

 

Romans 10:17 (KJV)
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Thus, when Jesus declared in Jn. 6:37 that ALL that the Father “IS GIVING” (present tense) to Him will COME to Him – this is indeed true and an absolute ALL.  Furthermore, Jesus will NOT banish nor reject a singular one of them in which the Father is giving Him, because Jn. 6:38 reveals Jesus came to do His Father’s WILL and not His own will. 

 

However, Jn. 6:37 has nothing whatsoever to do with “irresistible grace” – but is predicated upon the Holy Spirit drawing sinners to God through the hearing of the WORD of God.  Hence, FREE-WILL.

 

John 6:37 (KJV)
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Meanwhile, Jn. 6:39 Jesus declared that of ALL that the Father has given Him – HE (I) should LOSE (verb/1st person/aorist/subjunctive/active) none.  Hence, Jesus is the "Good Shepherd" (Jn. 10:14-15) and no man can pluck His Sheep out of His hand. (Jn. 10:28-29)

John 6:39 (KJV)
39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

Although, PLEASE take note that Jn. 6:39 does not declare nor insist “unconditional grace” and that the ALL Jn. 6:37 Sheep given by the Father to Jesus will therefore ALL be “unconditionally” saved.  Thus, Jn. 6:39 simply declares that Jesus Himself (I) will not be the literal “causal agent” of the LOSS (lose) by any means of ANY of His Father given Sheep.  Hence, "not on my watch..."

 

Therefore, it is the Father's perfect WILL that ALL the Sheep that He "gives" to Jesus, that Jesus should not be responsible for the LOSS of ANY of them, but should raise them up in the last day.  However, the Father's perfect will is not always the same WILL of Jesus' FREE-WILL Sheep.

 

As such, Jn. 6:40 reveals those of the ALL Sheep of Jn. 6:37 & 39 that is actually having eternal life and will be futuristically raised from the dead will ONLY be those who are SEEING (present tense) and BELIEVING (present tense) in Jesus.  It is they who are having eternal life (present tense).  This is an individual CHOICE to BELIEVE.

 

John 6:40 (KJV)
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

In summary, Jesus declared in Jn. 3:16 that God loved “ALL” mankind and therefore provided an avenue of Salvation by FAITH in the shed blood of Jesus to WHOSOEVER (not limited ATONEMENT) would BELIEVE in Jesus.

 

John 3:16 (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.