Man's Depravity

 

In the Bible's doctoral thesis on the righteousness of God and the salvation of man, we learn about the depravity of man unfolding in our nations leadership. The thesis, written as the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans, establishes as its first premise that every human has the knowledge of God's eternal power and Godhead manifest within them, has the invisible things of God clearly seen in creation, and is without excuse.

This, in itself, defies Augustinian and Calvinist theology about the 'total depravity' of man, but verse 21 starts the 6 steps that mankind, in his rebellion against God, and in his own sinful nature, takes towards total depravity. It appears our own governor has arrived at that bottom rung, pandering to those who are given over to “vile affections” and “taking pleasure in them that do the same.”

How can  one  of  such  superb  intelligence  and  education  rally  with homosexuals “Who changed the truth of God into a lie . . . . who are given up unto vile affections . . . . changing the natural use into that which is against nature . . . . men with men working that which is unseemly?”

It is only comprehended when you look at the six rings in the ladder of depravity:

1) “Because that, when they knew God, they: glorified him not as God, 2) neither were thankful; but 3) became vain in their imaginations, and 4) their foolish heart was darkened. 5) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And 6) changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things.”

The thing about ladders is that they can take you up as well as down. So which ring are you on? And which direction are you moving? Be top ring with God.

 

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY

www.GSBaptistChurch