[Permission is granted to duplicate this article in its entirety,
but only without additions, alterations or omissions of any kind,
including the author, ministry name and address at the end.
Nothing may be removed from this page including links to other pages.]
The Calvinistic concept of Total Depravity (original sin) is not Scriptural. Babies and little children are alive spiritually, in contrast to the false belief in original sin. All babies who die go into the presence of God and not hell, unlike what Calvinism teaches. (Calvinism teaches only elect babies who die escape damnation!) There is an age of accountability, which is implied in Scripture, but it is not a set age.
People are not born sinners. Though it is not perfectly clear, there is a time period when a baby or very young person is protected from eternal damnation because of his own sins. Why? Because their unbelief in Jesus and rebellion would not be sin for them. If not true, then innocent babies and little children would all, with no exception, be damned to fiery torment upon their early premature death, which is unthinkable of the God of the Bible. Most importantly, here is specific Scriptural support:
Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. (Rom 7:9-11)
Every person is different regarding that age. That mysterious age of accountability would be different for each person, based on their personal knowledge:
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. (James 4:17)
All young children lack knowledge about right and wrong:
But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. (Isa 7:16)
This mysterious age of accountability does exist and the Calvinistic doctrine of infant damnation for the non-elect is shown to be preposterous and out of harmony to the rest of Scriptures, just like all five points of Calvinism. The Calvinistic false concept of God could shockingly allow him to send innocent babies to be tormented in fire forever!
The inventor of the doctrine of original sin was Augustine, the Catholic and Calvinist theologian. Original sin refers to the adverse spiritual effect Adam’s disobedience had on his ancestors (the whole human race, except Mary)! That led to another false teaching labeled the immaculate conception, which refers to Mary, not Jesus, like some have been taught! Also, infant baptism is supposed to wash away original sin, according to Augustine, from whom John Calvin got his doctrines. (In other words, Augustine thought babies would be regenerated through infant baptism, which is believed in our day by Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopals and others.)
Moreover, while original sin is false, it is never shown to be a problem in the New Testament like a grace teaching distorted into a license to sin (Jude 3,4; 2 Peter 2), the essence of eternal security. There is one whole book (plus) of the Bible written about those who change grace into a license for immorality. Please read the acid test to identify any license for immorality teacher.
The truth is, all five points of Calvinism are demonic, but some are much worse than others. The most sinister point, by far, is eternal security (once saved always saved or the perseverance of the saints). That means the Calvinistic and Catholic doctrine of original sin can not compare with the danger inherent within once saved always saved as some actually teach! Also, Christians are specifically commanded to contend against a license for immorality (Jude 3,4).
Once saved always saved is the monster heresy of our day in Bible believing circles, adversely affecting untold millions of precious eternal souls in various ways. It must be opposed by Christians and not tolerated, as is often done. The first point of Calvinism (and the related original sin) is so tiny and insignificant compared to the last point—it’s like comparing the proverbial mole hill to a mountain. Furthermore, one can preach the real gospel without opposing or even mentioning original sin, which is shown repeatedly in Acts when the gospel was preached. Moreover, a Christian is not a sinner. A Christian is a righteous person who is following Jesus (John 10:27; Heb. 5:9) and putting into practice God's word (Luke 8:21; Mt. 7:21; etc.). It should be clear that the Bible does not teach original sin or the related infant baptism. Baptismal regeneration is also unscriptural regardless the age. God bless you.
Charles Finney On True Repentance Is Unscriptural
Sinful Nature Or Flesh Or Either
The Real Blessed Mother of Jesus, Mary
Skull and Crossbones Awards of False Prophets and False Teachers
Contact Us Or Join Our Internet Church Evangelical Outreach
PO Box 265
Washington PA 15301
www.evangelicaloutreach.org