The podcast discusses the concept of total inability and challenges Calvinist and Armenian views on the condition of the heart and ability to believe. It explores the role of the Holy Spirit in conveying God's message, debates the exegetical objection to provisionism, and delves into the topic of propensity to sin. The speakers also discuss the struggle to believe, contemplate God's drawing and timelessness, and analyze God's means of drawing people through revelation and prevenient grace. They argue that total inability is more of a moral problem than an intellectual one.
The Israelites' inability to believe in John 6 is a result of their hardened hearts and refusal to listen, rather than an innate condition from birth.
The Holy Spirit's work is crucial in drawing and enabling individuals to trust in Christ, working through human vessels and the inspired texts of the Bible.
The presentation of the gospel alone is not sufficient for conversion and faith; the power of the Holy Spirit is necessary to draw individuals and bring about belief.
Human inability is not an innate condition from birth, but rather a propensity to sin due to the fallen world; drawing by the Father is an ongoing action throughout the process of conversion.
Deep dives
The Importance of Understanding the Israelites' Condition in John Chapter 6
In this podcast episode, the host discusses the importance of understanding the condition of the Israelites in John chapter 6. He emphasizes that their inability to believe is not an innate condition from birth, but rather the result of their own choices and hardened hearts due to their refusal to listen and learn from the Father. By speaking in parabolic language and hiding the truth from them, the host argues that Jesus accomplishes his purpose in redemption and brings about the salvation of the Gentiles. He disagrees with the concept of total inability and asserts that the gospel is sufficiently believable, just as any other world religion, if not more so.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Belief and Salvation
The podcast delves into the role of the Holy Spirit in faith and salvation. The host argues that the Holy Spirit works through human vessels, including the inspired texts of the Bible, to testify and bring revelation to believers. He highlights that the power lies in the words of the Spirit, delivered through prophets and apostles, which can have a powerful impact on individuals when they read and understand them. The host challenges the notion that the Holy Spirit's work is unnecessary because the gospel alone is sufficient, contending that the Holy Spirit's work, along with the proclamation of the gospel, is crucial in drawing and enabling individuals to trust in Christ.
The Propriety of Using Hypothetical Deism Example
The podcast episode discusses the hypothetical deism example that some use to highlight the point of contention between different theological perspectives. The host explains that while provisionists acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit in inspiring the Scriptures, the argument goes beyond that, highlighting the necessity of the Holy Spirit's continuing work today. He contends that the presentation of the gospel alone is not sufficient, as it requires the power of the Holy Spirit to draw individuals and enable them to understand and believe. The host addresses the misconception that provisionists negate the role of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that they believe in the need for the Holy Spirit's work through various means, including preaching, to bring about conversion and faith.
Clarifying the Notion of Human Inability and Drawing
The podcast further clarifies the position on human inability and drawing in relation to salvation. The host explains that humans have a propensity to sin due to the fallen condition of the world, but this inclination is not an innate condition from birth. Drawing is seen as a necessary element in the process of salvation, as stated by Jesus in John 6:44. However, the host differentiates drawing from the presentation of the gospel alone, emphasizing that drawing involves an ongoing action of the Father throughout the process of conversion. The host contrasts the understanding of drawing with the concept of mere pulling, highlighting the active and ongoing nature of drawing in bringing individuals to faith.
The distinction between total depravity and other forms of depravity is acknowledged.
Warren acknowledges the distinction between total depravity and other forms of depravity, agreeing with the definition that total depravity impacts every part of a person's being but does not mean that human beings are as bad as they could be. However, he later contradicts himself by stating that sin impacts the intellect, even though he previously said there is no intellectual problem in understanding the concepts of the gospel. This inconsistency could be addressed by applying the same principle to the moral aspect, acknowledging that sin impacts moral inclinations without rendering individuals totally disabled.
The need for multiple verses to establish total depravity is agreed upon.
Both participants agree that the doctrine of total depravity cannot be solely established by a single verse. Instead, it requires cross-referencing and analyzing various passages of Scripture to form a comprehensive understanding. They mention how the Trinity, for instance, is not explicitly stated in a single verse but is derived from multiple passages. Similarly, the doctrine of total depravity is arrived at by considering a collection of verses that address the inclination to sin and its impact on human beings.
The challenge of finding a one-verse knockout is not seen as necessary.
The idea of finding a single verse that conclusively proves total depravity is not seen as essential by both participants. They agree that the doctrine can be derived from a combination of verses and an overall systematic understanding of Scripture. While Warren suggests that Dan needs to provide specific passages to support his view, Dan asserts that the core claim of the inability to believe the gospel can be demonstrated even from a few select verses. They acknowledge that total depravity is supported by a network of verses rather than resting on a single knockout verse.
Responding LIVE to a discussion of Arminians confronting the Provisionists view of man's nature and refusal to adopt the Reformed doctrine of Total Inability.
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