The casket was so small that it became the focus of our thoughts. The child within weighed only about two pounds, and he had lived only a few days. His picture was next to the casket, and I could not even imagine how some religious doctrine could describe such infants as “naturally vicious and depraved,” and “perverted and corrupted.” Yet that is fundamental to the false doctrine of Calvinism.
Apparently, parents who “baptize” their children usually do so with the mistaken fear of this sin inherited from our ancestor, Adam. The reason we reject this doctrine is that it is palpably false. Sin is something for which each individual is personally responsible, and something that each person does, not inherits. Note Ezekiel 18:20:
“The soul that sins, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
Ezekiel was inspired to write this some 2,000 plus years before John Calvin and others produced their views of sin, man and depravity. Yet they state that every child is born with that sin upon their soul.
You would think that Jesus knew of the “depravity” inherent in each child, but He stated words that are in direct conflict with Calvin’s:
“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 18:3.
Again, Paul, by inspiration of God, opposed Calvin’s doctrine:
“Brethren, do not be children in understanding: however in malice be children, but in understanding be mature,” 1 Corinthians 14:20.
No, children are not born with sin, nor do they inherit a sinful nature. Perhaps the following questions addressed to those who embrace this doctrine may help us to see the fallacies inherent in their doctrine.
BY WHAT PROCESS IS DEPRAVITY PASSED ON TO ANOTHER PERSON?
If by birth, why did Jesus not inherit this same depravity? He was “born of a woman,” Galatians 4:4, yet was “without sin...holy, harmless, undefiled,” Hebrews 4:15, 7:26. The doctrine of the “Immaculate Conception” had to be invented for that doctrine to be sustained.
WHERE DOES THE BIBLE IMPLY THAT ANYONE IS BORN WITH ADAM’S SIN?
It’s not in the Old Testament, and it’s not in the New Testament. Where, then, does the Bible teach this doctrine? Answer: The Bible does not teach this doctrine, so it must have originated from man.
WHAT OLD TESTAMENT PROVISION IS MADE FOR FORGIVENESS OF THIS SIN?
Many sacrifices are described in the book of Leviticus, but none are provided for remission of “Adamic sin,” or “Total Depravity.” Were all those who lived in Old Testament days doomed to hell?
WHAT BIBLE PASSAGE SAYS WE WILL BE CONDEMNED FOR ORIGINAL SIN?
To the contrary, the Bible says we will be judged “every man according to their works,” Revelation 20:12-13. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10:
“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
Note: “things done in his body… what he has done…good or bad.”
HOW DOES THE BIBLE DEFINITION OF SIN HARMONIZE WITH THIS DOCTRINE?
It does not! When you research what the Bible says about sin, you discover that sin is doing that which God has forbidden — or failing to do that which God has commanded:
“Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law,” 1 John 3:4.
“Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin,” James 4:17.
DOES THE BIBLE SAY ADAM’S SIN SEPARATES MAN FROM GOD?
When we read Isaiah 59:1-2 we find the prophet telling Israel:
“The Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
I cannot blame Adam for my sin, nor can I avoid guilt by pointing a finger at my ancestry. Each person is responsible for his/her behavior. Ephesians 2:1-2 emphasizes this:
“And you did He make alive, when you were dead in your trespasses and sins; wherein you once walked according to the course of this world.”
In a very practical way, James 1:14-15 reveals how sin can take a prominent place in a person’s life:
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.”
Several years ago a man who espoused the doctrine of “Original Sin” directed a university seminar. As is often the case on such occasions, a “question” period was allowed. Eventually, a question on this subject arose. The specific question was on the status of newborns who died. The report I received indicated he would not entertain questions on this subject. I think I know why, don’t you?
