[judyjonc@yahoo.com]

Each night there has been a discussion about being able to see God through His creation. Each time there was an allusion to “it only makes sense.” So I want to discuss logic.
The doctrine of Total Depravity states that sin affects every part of human nature (mind, will, and affections). This doctrine suggests that while humans are not as “evil” as they could possibly be, (some are actually nicer than others.) sin has touched every faculty, including the logic and reasoning process, making it impossible for a person to choose or understand God on their own. The truth is available (General Revelation), and the human mind is still capable of high-level math, science, and art. But because of depravity, the mind’s presuppositions are skewed toward self instead of God. Therefore, the “logic process” leads to a rejection of spiritual truth because it views that truth as “irrational” or “foolish” in order to protect them selves.
1 Corinthians 2:14: This is a cornerstone for the “logic” aspect: “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
John 6:44 Jesus states, “No one can come to me unless the Father… draws him,” indicating the inability of the human will to choose or recognize God.
In General revelation God displays His handiwork. In Special revelation God provides the necessary knowledge for living a life that pleases Him (including salvation). 
Neither can be properly understood without the Holy Spirit’s intervention and guidance.
When an unbeliever looks at the heavens there is no way he can see God’s hand in it because he is under the curse of total depravity, and chooses to exalt himself over God.

[Jeff Paisano]

John,
Thank you for this post. I like the clarification these verses bring to the topic and thought. I think you pair these with the condition of man apart from God Romans 3:10-20 you have a pretty good picture of our state and condition apart from God’s special revelation. I would add however that where you ended the thought with the idea that they can’t discern salvific truth and rather sees them as irrational or foolish to “protect themselves” … that might be true but I’d probably go for the fairway and end the thought that they lack the understanding or ability to understand because God has not given them that ability. I say this because I do think there are others who become aware of God to the point that they see Him and HIs authority as a challenge to self righteousness… and perhaps that is what you are also saying?

Thanks again!

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