Deep Dive into Original Sin by Johnathan Edwards - Thus I Have Gone Through with My First Argument; Having Shown the Evidence of the Truth of the Proposition Laid Down at First, and Proved Its Consequence. But There Are Many Other Things, That Manifest a Very Corrupt Tendency or Disposition in Man's Nature, in His Present State, Which I Shall Take Notice of in the Following Sections
The inefficacy of the gospel, despite being recognized as the "grandest scene" and a "most perfect and effectual scheme for restoring true religion," is primarily attributed to the inherent depravity of human nature. This deep-seated corruption manifests as a profound and "native opposition of heart" that renders divine means largely unsuccessful for the majority of people.
Human nature possesses a "constant natural bias" towards sin, causing individuals to resist all divine efforts to promote virtue. This is likened to a heavy body that, though momentarily lifted, consistently returns to its natural downward pull. Even the "amiable and perfect example" of Jesus Christ has proved insufficient for many, underscoring an "extreme corruption of the human heart." The widespread persistence of wickedness, even among those exposed to the gospel, serves as compelling evidence of this underlying depravity.
An alternative explanation, put forth by Dr. T., suggests that the gospel's inefficacy stems from it being "greatly misunderstood and perverted" by "ignorant, superstitious monks" who introduced "mistaken notions" about core doctrines. However, this view is challenged, as the source questions how such a clear and divinely inspired message could be so universally misconstrued without presupposing a "native blindness, corruption, and superstition of mankind." Furthermore, it is observed that even with the "explosion of light and truth" and the rejection of these "monstrous doctrines" in more modern times, "vice...has gone on to increase," resembling an "overflowing deluge."
Ultimately, the widespread misunderstanding and continuous failure of the gospel to universally transform humanity is presented as the strongest testament to a profound and universal natural depravity in humankind. This innate resistance to goodness, rather than mere external factors, is the fundamental reason for the gospel's limited efficacy.
Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian
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