The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Unmovable

Roy,

Methinks you are confusing at least one thing in regard to the effects of man being in his "natural" state, i.e., "unregenerate". Total Depravity doesn't nullify a person's intellect; the ability to think or comprehend. Some of the most brilliant minds born on this earth were unregenerate God haters. Being unregenerate means that one's "predisposition/inclination" is opposed to God and all that is good (aka: God's prescriptive will, His law). Put in the vernacular, unregenerate men hate God and anything that is holy, pure and good. (cf. Rom 8:7, 8; Eph 4:17-19) Now, as to the topic at hand, whether an unregenerate man can understand something of God, it is more than clear from Romans 1:

Romans 1:18-21 (ASV) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, [even] his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened.

In this text, there is a double-indictment against unregenerate men. 1) Knowledge of God is inherent in all men, for it is God Himself Who reveals it to them, e.g., conscience. 2) Knowledge of God, particularly his "everlasting power", aka: sovereignty/power and His "divinity", aka: Supreme being, are clearly seen from the natural creation. Consequently, due to the perspicuity of both the inner testimony from God and the testimony of the physical world, all men are "without excuse", for knowing these things about God, they reject them and substitute their own ideas, philosophies, religions, etc. rather than embracing the truth. It is this rejection which is the fruit of man's natural depravity, and not the inability to perceive the truth.

Without question, the Bible is the sole and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. The "details" concerning God and particularly of salvation are only found in His inspired, inerrant and infallible Word; the Bible. There is no contradiction here whatsoever with the facts of Rom 1:18-21. There is sufficient proof for the existence and power of God to be found by God's manifestation of this truth within all men and it can also be seen in the world around them. These things alone should be sufficient to cause men to fall to the ground and worship God; not rightly, mind you.. but "naturally" as a creature before the Creator. But natural men do not do this. In fact they cast off this double-truth and with their own corrupt imaginations create "gods" unto themselves. The Scriptures give the details of that inner testimony and the creation, putting everything in its proper place and order. But most importantly, the Scriptures reveal why men suppress/reject the truth and substitute a lie; i.e., they are UNABLE to do anything else, for they are born spiritually dead. They have inherited a corrupt nature which is opposed to the God and truth. And it is upon this fact, that all men are under the wrath of God from conception and subject to damnation, lest God in His righteous mercy should give them newness of life by sending the Holy Spirit to regenerate their dead souls.

So, to summarize.. there is enough evidence to be found in both the inner manifestation of truth and that which is clearly seen with the senses to convict all men of their sinfulness which rejects this truth about the deity of God and His sovereign power. The majesty, holiness, etc., of God can only be known from His inspired written record; the Bible. In it one is told everything necessary about God, Christ, sin, guilt punishment, salvation and the world to come. But without the new birth, aka: regeneration, no one will nor can them embrace this truth in the way required by God, i.e., with one's whole mind, heart, soul and strength through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In His grace,