A Study Guide to Jonathan Edwards’ Classic on the Nature of Inborn Depravity
For Jonathan Edwards, the Gospel stands on the doctrine of original sin as medicine to a disease. A misdiagnosis can lead to an ineffective, dangerous, or even fatal “cure.” In the history of the church, few were as mindful as Edwards to see the implications of original sin to the whole of God’s ultimate purpose in Christ, as argued in his masterful treatise, Original Sin. And while Bible interpreters may miss vital implications of doctrines they view as esoteric, technical, or unessential, Edwards excelled at viewing every doctrine as part of a comprehensive whole, inseparably linked as an expression of the coherent mind of God. Yet, reading Edwards can be a challenge. The logic of a single thought can span paragraphs, pages, and even chapters, while his 18th Century language challenges modern readers. This study guide is designed to lower these hurdles and help the reader negotiate the deep, detailed, comprehensive, and systematic thought of Edwards on a difficult doctrine. Originally developed for the classroom to accompany the reading of the treatise, the guide can stand alone for personal study or as a helpful resource. The format highlights the structure, logic, and flow of Edwards’ arguments, providing a handle to better grasp the depth of his thought. And while some may lack the time to read and digest the fine nuances of Edwards’ writing, every serious Christian should understand the doctrine of original sin and be well-acquainted with the biblical and theological evidence for it. This study guide will help meet that need and give aid to the direct study of Original Sin in homes, churches, colleges, and seminaries. The greater goal of the guide is that God will continue to use Mr. Edwards to highlight our need of Christ, and move our hearts to a greater appreciation and love of the infinite excellence of His person and saving work.
These study guides to Edwards' major theological works--first The Religious Affections, now Original Sin--are a blessing to students and teachers everywhere. I'm often asked how a person who finds Edwards' prose forbidding can read and understand his writings. Now I have a good answer. Many thanks to Craig Biehl for this labor of love. —Douglas A. Sweeney, Dean, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
"Few topics are more unpleasant than sin. Seeing ourselves as we are breaks the heart. Yet a clear and humbling view of sin is foundational to knowing God. That is why the church's present neglect of the doctrine of sin cripples our evangelism and stunts our spiritual growth. Jonathan Edwards did us a great favor in carefully defending the doctrine of original sin against the attacks of the semi-Pelagian John Taylor. Craig Biehl has now served us well by boiling Edwards's logical and biblical argumentation down into a clear outline. This book will be a great help to classes, small groups, and individuals as a companion in their study of Edwards's classic volume. It helpfully references both the Banner of Truth and Yale editions. Take and read! The glory of Christ shines most brightly against the dark backdrop of our horrifying corruption." —Dr. Joel Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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FOREWORD
AUTHOR’S PREFACE
PART ONE: EVIDENCE OF ORIGINAL SIN IN EXPERIENCE, SCRIPTURE, AND THE ASSERTIONS OF THOSE WHO OPPOSE THE DOCTRINE
Chapter One: Evidence of Original Sin from the Sinfulness of Mankind in General
Section One: Historically, all people sin and, apart from God’s grace, are subject to God’s judgment.
Section Two: Universal sin proves a sinful propensity.
Section Three: Man’s propensity to evil indicates a corrupt soul.
Section Four: All sin as soon as they are capable of sinning
Section Five: By the standard of God’s law, man sins, in heart and practice, far more than he is righteous.
Section Six: Innate depravity is displayed by a high degree of foolishness in religion.
Section Seven: Throughout the ages, most people have been wicked.
Section Eight: Great efforts to oppose wickedness and promote virtue have had little success.
Section Nine: Several arguments against original sin considered
Questions and Points for Discussion
Chapter Two: Evidence from Universal Mortality, Particularly the Death of Infants
Questions and Points for Discussion
PART TWO: SCRIPTURAL PROOFS FOR ORIGINAL SIN
Chapter One: Observations from Genesis 1-3
Section One: Adam and Eve were created righteous.
Section Two: The death threatened to Adam and Eve was eternal death.
Section Three: Evidence from Genesis 1-3 that God dealt with Adam as the representative of the human race
Questions and Points for Discussion
Chapter Two: Proofs of Original Sin, Primarily from the Old Testament
Questions and Points for Discussion
Chapter Three: Proofs of Original Sin, Primarily from the New Testament
Section One: John 3:6 in relation to other passages
Section Two: Romans 3:9-24
Section Three: Romans 5:6-10, Ephesians 2:3, and Romans 7
Questions and Points for Discussion
Chapter Four: Romans 5:12
Section One: Responses to Dr. Taylor’s explanation of Romans 5:12-21
Section Two: Observations concerning Romans 5:12-21 and reflections on the evidence for original sin
Questions and Points for Discussion
PART THREE: THE REDEMPTION OF CHRIST AS EVIDENCE FOR ORIGINAL SIN
Chapter One: Proofs from Christ’s Accomplishment of Redemption
Questions and Points for Discussion
Chapter Two: Proof from the Necessity of Being Born Again
Questions and Points for Discussion
PART FOUR: ANSWERS TO OBJECTIONS TO ORIGINAL SIN
Chapter One: “To be born in sin is inconsistent with the nature of sin.”
Questions and Points for Discussion
Chapter Two: “If man is born sinful, then God, who formed us, is to blame.”
Questions and Points for Discussion
Chapter Three: “The imputation of Adam’s sin to his posterity is unjust because Adam and his posterity are not the same.”
Questions and Points for Discussion
Chapter Four: Miscellaneous Objections
Questions and Points for Discussion
CONCLUSION