Inherited Depravity Catechism Lesson
Eric Kuhns
Q.1 What is inherited depravity?
A. Inherited depravity is the corrupted nature that is within mankind. The sinfulness of man. Man’s natural tendency to do that which is morally wrong or sinful. Some have labeled it the “bent” towards sin or a “curve” towards the forbidden and prohibited. It is not a “thing” like a tumor or a section of the brain but rather the condition of being corrupted morally.
Rom 3:10-11 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Psa 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Q.2 Why is it called inherited depravity?
A. First of all it is called inherited because this condition was a result of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden. His disobedience as the first man marred his perfectly created moral image. This damaged and corrupted nature has been and continues to be passed on from Adam to every human being except that of Jesus Christ who was born of a Virgen and was born sinless. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; and also, Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so, death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: So, we can see from scripture that this is an inherited condition that has been passed down from Adam.
It is called depravity because it is a condition completely void of good. Man cannot find enough morality in himself to save himself or reform himself. He is a sinner on every level. The holiness that man needs to please and serve God is completely missing in his nature and can only be found outside of himself in the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Q.3 Does this mean that we are guilty and will be judged for Adam’s sin?
A. We cannot be guilty or judged for other people’s sins. Adam did not make us responsible or guilty but he passed on to us the nature or the moral corruptness that makes us liable to sin. Once we commit sin, we will be guilty and judged for our own personal actions. A nature cannot sin or bear guilt it is not something physical.
Rom 2:5-6 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Eze 18:20 The soul that sinneth, 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.
Q.4 What are some of the terms used in the Bible to refer to inherited depravity?
A. There are many terms used in the Bible to refer to the corrupted nature in man. Some examples are:
--The flesh. Rom. 8:7-8
--The body of sin. Rom. 6:6
--Carnality. I Cor. 3:3
-- The old man. Eph. 4:22-24
Q. 5 How do Wesleyans and Calvinists differ on their view of original sin?
A. Both believe that man is depraved and born with a sin nature. However, Calvinists believe in total depravity, that man is so corrupted that he can do no good and can only choose evil. They also believe that man is guilty of Adam's sin, since Adam represented the human race. Wesleyans believe that although man is corrupted, he can still know the difference between good and evil and can still do good deeds and that man is not guilty of Adam's sin but was morally marred. Wesleyans also believe that God in his prevenient grace, works to show man his need for salvation. Calvinists believe that God chooses who He will save.
Q.6 Are Wesleyans also Pelagian in their view of inherited depravity?
A. Pelagius denied the existence of inherited depravity and taught that humans in themselves are capable of choosing good and can avoid sin without God’s grace. Wesleyans do believe in inherited depravity and do not believe that without God’s grace we can avoid sin. But they teach that God in his prevenient grace speaks to man through nature, through his conscience and by other means to show him his spiritual need and that man in his free-will can respond to God’s grace and salvation that He offers.
Q.7 Does God provide a remedy for inherited depravity?
A. Yes! Once man realizes his need for a Savior and puts his trust in Jesus Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit can begin to show man that no only can he be forgiven of his committed sins but can also be cleansed from his sinful nature. This cleansing is called sanctification. A person must surrender their selfish nature, confess it and ask God to cleanse it. The Holy Spirit then enables the person that is walking in the light to choose to please God in all that they do. The dominion of the sinful nature is cleansed and the Holy Spirit takes control.
Helpful Resources
1. Scheurer, John (May 1, 2018) From Putrefecation to Sanctification: John Wesley's Understanding of Original Sin and Theology of Grace. Obsculta.11(1). https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1191&context=obsculta
2. Jonathan Edwards. The Doctrine of Original Sin. Independently published, 2020. https://www.amazon.com/Doctrine-Original-Sin-Jonathan-Edwards/dp/B08928MG4S/ref=sr_1_18?crid=2K09J7HRO040T&keywords=theology+original+sin&qid=1647401752&sprefix=theology+original+sin%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-18
