It is written:
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:13-15)
This passage is the last that we will review from the Westminster Confession of Faith which claims to support the doctrine of original sin and total hereditary depravity.
Our examination of each of the other passages which Calvinists use to defend their monstrous doctrine has been shown to be wrenched out of context to justify their dogma.
As we will see, this passage is another which actually refutes total hereditary depravity.
First, notice the subjects of the passage. They are people who clearly can be tempted to sin. First, they are able to improperly blame God for their situation (James 1:13). Second, they have personal desire which can lead them into sin when acted upon (James 1:14). Third, they are able to reason the facts carefully, since they are exhorted not to be deceived (James 1:16). Fourth, they are clearly identified as “brethren,” a reference to the fact that they are fellow Christians (James 1:16; cf. James 1:19; 2:1, 5, 14; 3:1, 10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19). This is addressed to accountable people who clearly can understand right from wrong. James is obviously not talking about infants and small children!
Second, notice that this passage clearly contradicts the notions of original sin and total hereditary depravity. We are told here that before sin is born, there must be personal desire to commit sin. Tell me, what desire for sin does an infant and small child have? What evil lurks in their hearts? What wicked malice lies in the soul of small children?
To ask is to answer.
My friends, our Calvinist friends twist this passage of Scripture out of context to justify the teachings of John Calvin, which he garnished from the writings of the Gnostic named Augustine.
In our next lessons, we will see that the Bible clearly refutes the doctrines of original sin and total hereditary depravity. Then we will study how the writings and various records of the early Christians demonstrate clearly that they understood from the Apostles of Christ that infants and small children are innocent and free of sin when they are conceived and enter into the world.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
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