TheLordIsMyRedeemerHello. It is my view the Bible teaches that man is depraved, not totally depraved. Total depravity is the doctrine that fallen man is unable is to love, obey or please God.
If man is capable of choosing God, salvation does not need to be predetermined by God, and can be on the basis of our free will decision to believe in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
TheLordIsMyRedeemerI would point to these arguments by Matt Elton that reflect my stance on this doctrine. I think the second argument is perhaps the strongest. The author makes the point that the doctrine of total depravity is at odds with the humanity of the Lord Jesus. Here is the link if you would like to take a look.
VineyardsOfEngediOh Ok, I was wondering if you meant that they weren't depraved at all. Can you elaborate on your other points? What do you mean by unconditional election?
TheLordIsMyRedeemerGod’s choice (or “election”) is said to be “unconditional”. I interpret this as nothing is required of the people whom God elects. I believe in the doctrine of conditional election (2 Peter 1:1-11, 2 Tim. 2:121 and Cor. 9:27). Colossians 1:23 speaks of the condition of continuing in the faith. I believe it possible for a Christian to commit the sin of unbelief and lose his faith (Hebrews 3:12-14).
VineyardsOfEngediOh ok, so you're saying that something is required, being continue in the faith? And if someone commits the sin of unbelief and loses his faith are you saying they lose their salvation? Yes, no worries and thank you.
TheLordIsMyRedeemerNo, I’m not saying that (John 1:9). It is my view the draw of the Spirit is resistible, but God remains sovereign (Matt. 22:14, Mark 3:29, Prov. 2:11). In my view, God chooses to create people who are free and to accomplish His purposes through their undetermined choices; it is His sovereign right to do so. If God chooses not to exercise meticulous control it is not the same as less sovereignty.
TheLordIsMyRedeemerI believe in the possibility of apostasy (Hebrews 10:19-39). I see election/predestination and free will/human responsibility both at work in salvation/sanctification. (Psalm 139:16, Acts 4:27-28, Eph. 1:10b-12, John 1:12-13, Phil 2:12-13).
TheLordIsMyRedeemerI believe the atonement is unlimited in terms of availability but limited in terms of its effect (John 12:32, Luke 19:10, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 2:2). God wants all people to respond in faith, but He does not force them to do so. All can be saved, but not all will be saved, because of mankind’s love of sin.
TheLordIsMyRedeemerGod never changes his mind and retracts his promise, nor does God ever demand his gift back. By grace, he has given us the promise and hope of eternal life on the condition that we continue in the faith (Colossians 1:23). This means repenting when we commit sin. I view it possible for a Christian to willfully disobey the Holy Spirit and stop repenting of any sin.
TheLordIsMyRedeemerAtonement is the act of making amends or correcting a mistake. The Lord Jesus Himself is obedient to the Father and is the sacrifice for our sins.
“He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world (1 John 2:2).” See also John 1:29, Romans 5:18 and Matt. 26:28).
TheLordIsMyRedeemerIf Christians ignore the work of the Holy Spirit and continue in their state of disbelief and do not repent from their sins before they die, they will not be forgiven. We have to repent when we sin.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).
TheLordIsMyRedeemerMark 1:15 says, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Repentance and faith go together because if you believe that Jesus is the Lord Who saves (faith), you have a changed mind about your sin and your self (repentance); and if you repent, it’s because you trust that Jesus is the Lord Who saves.
If man is capable of choosing God, salvation does not need to be predetermined by God, and can be on the basis of our free will decision to believe in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10).