One of the fundamental differences between the [Roman] Catholic and the Reformed theologies is the question of the doctrine of the fall. Or, to put it in another way; of what is man capable of at the present time?

Rome would teach that man is quite capable of storing up merit by a system of good works. Every religion which believes that salvation is through human character holds that man has not fallen very far.

Some think, indeed, that he has fallen upwards! The great difference between Arminians and Calvinists lies in that question, How far did man fall? It is a matter that is of great importance to all who carry on any kind of witness to unbelievers.

I remember a preacher  who once said in a private conversation that if he thought there was a divine spark of the divine left in fallen men, he would counsel putting electric fans in the pulpits to fan the spark to flame, rather than preachers to proclaim the miracle-working Gospel. Facetious?

Perhaps, but there is a great deal of truth in his remark. There can be no doubt that the New Testament theology is based on the fact that man fell all the way. He fell so far that he could fall no farther. He fell so far that there was no life left in him.

He is “dead” (Ephesians 2:1), and must be “quickened” by the Spirit before he can have even the remotest semblance of faith, but even that must be the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit, neither can he know them (1 Corinthians 2:14); in fact there is no one who understandeth, not even anyone that seeketh after God (Romans 3:11).

The carnal mind is enmity against God and is not subject to the law of God, nor can it be; they that are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:7). When we realize this, we will learn to rely less on anything that appeals merely to the natural man and his understanding.

Instead we will send forth the Word with the knowledge that we are preaching to dead men, whom the power of God can quicken. All praise will be to Him.[1]

Donald Grey Barnhouse

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Endnotes:

[1] Donald Grey Barnhouse, Illustrating Great Themes of Scripture [Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1997], 95, 96.

See also:

ROB BELL DEFENDING LOVE WINS MYTHOLOGY

UNDERSTANDING THE NEW SPIRITUALITY: GOD INDWELLS MANKIND

THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT YOUR “TRUE SELF”