Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

and because they are of their father, the devil, therefore his lusts will they
do.
Even the most unconcerned about spiritual things have understanding,
judgment, reason, and will. And by means of these we have seen even
scoffers at divine revelation become very eminent in arts and sciences;
some of our best metaphysicians, physicians, mathematicians,
astronomers, chymists, &c., have been known—to their reproach be it
spoken and published—to be without religion; nay, some of them have
blasphemed it, by leaving God out of his own work, and ascribing to an
idol of their own, whom they call "nature," the operations of the wisdom,
power, and goodness of the Most High. It is true that many of the most
eminent in all the above branches of knowledge have been conscientious
believers in divine revelation; but the case of the other proves that, fallen
as man is, he yet possesses extraordinary powers, which are capable of
very high cultivation and improvement. In short, the soul seems capable
of any thing but knowing, fearing, loving, and serving God. And it is not
only incapable, of itself, for any truly religions acts; but what shows its
fall in the most indisputable manner is its enmity to sacred things. Let an
unregenerate man pretend what he pleases, his conscience knows that he
hates religion; his soul revolts against it; his "carnal mind is not subject
to the law of God, neither indeed can it be." There is no reducing this fell
principle to subjection; it is sin, and sin is rebellion against God; therefore
sin must be destroyed, not subjected; if subjected, it would cease to be
sin, because sin is in opposition to God: hence the apostle says, most
conclusively, it cannot be subjected; that is, it must be destroyed, or it
will destroy the soul for ever.
There is a contagion in human nature, an evil principle, that is opposed
to the truth and holiness of God. This is the grand hidden cause of all
transgression. It is a contagion from which no soul of man is free: it is
propagated with the human species; no human being was ever born
without it: it is the infection of our nature; is commonly called original
sin,—sin, because it is without conformity to the nature, will, and law of
God; and is constantly in opposition to all three. The doctrine of original