Timeline for Was Abel regenerated before the offering according to the Calvinist?
Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0
8 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
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| Jul 18, 2018 at 21:49 | comment | added | Nathaniel is protesting | Every action of an atheist is tainted by sin (motivations, etc.) so outwardly good deeds, while still "good" in a sense, are still "defective" as Berkhof puts it. But let's continue this in chat, if you'd like to follow-up. | |
| Jul 18, 2018 at 21:27 | comment | added | Sola Gratia | Doesn't this definition of sin technically mean that an atheist doing literally nothing but breathing is actually sinning just by breathing, or eating, or sleeping—all of which are in conformity with the law of God, as is curing a sick and dying child? | |
| Jul 18, 2018 at 21:12 | comment | added | Nathaniel is protesting | @SolaGratia Reformed theology's definition of sin is broader than yours, then – it is "any want of conformity or transgression of the law of God." (Westminster Shorter Catechism). Thus "good deeds" not prompted by a love for God or desire to obey His law are sinful (though not as sinful as doing many other things). Berkhof's brief discussion on "total inability" may be helpful... part 2d of that page, about a third of the way down. | |
| Jul 18, 2018 at 19:35 | comment | added | Sola Gratia | I've read the answer, yes, and yet the unsubstantiated claim is made again "because they proceed not from an heart purified by faith ... they are therefore sinful and cannot please God." (bold mine) Not pleasing (as with those who have faith and work in Christ) is not the same as sinful and evil, is it? An atheist who cures a dying child is surely not sinning by curing them. Even Hebrews says that Abel's was 'more' acceptable—sufficiently. Not that Cain sinned by not being ult. accepted. God treats him as son who needs to learn, he doesn't upraid him as having sinned.. | |
| Jul 18, 2018 at 17:15 | comment | added | Nathaniel is protesting | @SolaGratia This is a key aspect of "total depravity," so this answer is a good place to start: What is the Biblical basis for Total Depravity? It explains the viewpoint in more detail, and in the last section provides some biblical basis ("The necessity of faith in God to do good works"). | |
| Jul 18, 2018 at 16:32 | comment | added | Sola Gratia | What is the biblical basis for works done before regeneration being not only "impossible to please God" but SINS? | |
| Jul 16, 2018 at 4:17 | vote | accept | karma | ||
| Jul 14, 2018 at 22:53 | history | answered | Nathaniel is protesting | CC BY-SA 4.0 |