One of the things that happens when you have a conversation about the topic of Calvinism or Reformed theology is it almost always comes around to the concept of being “dead.” What a Calvinist means by “dead” is in keeping with the “T” of their TULIP philosophy. “T” stands for Total Depravity, but what is meant by it is Total Inability.
By total depravity, they mean that someone is so dead in their sins that they cannot positively respond to God by believing in or trusting Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.
They typically use Ephesians 2 and Romans 3 as part of their argument.
Many of you know the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Check this verse out:
Luke 15:24
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
As you can see, “dead” didn’t mean total inability. His son was dead and gone to another place. He had left the family. But he had the total power and ability to positively respond by repenting of what he had done and returning to his father.
This is how you know Romans 10:13 is correct when it uses the word “whosoever.”
Romans 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
God says that anyone has the ability and responsibility to repent and come to the Cross. Anyone. And it is the chief responsibility of man to find out who God is and serve Him mightily while you are here. All of the other things in life are just sideshows and window dressings.
I think Kyle, Flynn, and Bud did a great job in this podcast explaining the concept of “dead” from a biblical perspective.
Remember to TETE anything you listen to or read: Test Everything and Test Everybody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEc3ooLrb3w
Enjoy!
P.S. Here’s some good news: a celebrity confesses his faith in Jesus Christ! Praise the Lord that many will look into his life and hear the gospel. We want everyone to know the Lord and be saved!
https://x.com/theblaze/status/1948414802948243711
P.P.S. Do you remember any of these? My, oh my. Does this life go by fast! Keep your focus on eternity. It will be here before you know it.
