Dogmatic Theology Vol 3 - Shedd - XV - Anthropology continued

Required reading

Dogmatic Theology Vol 3 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or here)  - Conclude Anthropology.

My summary  

Today we conclude the notes on anthropology.

We read quotes about:

(i) the human will;

(ii) the influence of Rabbinical theology on Paul;

(iii) the future state of man;

(iv) original sin and indwelling sin;

(v) natural and moral inability.

What grabbed me

I liked the quote from Turretin on natural and moral inability: 'It is better, therefore, to denominate the sinner’s inability both natural and moral, in different respects. It is moral (1) objectively because relating to moral duties, (2) originally because it originates from moral corruption spontaneously brought in by the sin of man, and (3) formally because it is voluntary and culpable, overflowing into the disposition (habitum) of the corrupt will. It is also natural (1) originally because it is congenital with us and by nature—not as nature was created by God but as nature is corrupted by man—as we are said by St. Paul to be ‘by nature children of wrath’ and by David to be in iniquity and conceived in sin,’ as poison is natural in a serpent and rapacity in a wolf; (2) subjectively because it infects our whole nature and causes the deprivation of that power of well-doing which was bestowed upon the first man and constituted original righteousness, and (3) effectually (eventualiter) because it is unconquerable and insuperable, not less than the merely natural inability of a blind man to see or a dead man to rise. For sinful man is no more able to convert himself than a blind man to see or a dead man to rise from the grave. As therefore this inability is rightly called moral and voluntary to indicate the responsibility and guilt of man and render him inexcusable, so it is well denominated natural to express the greatness of his corruption and demonstrate the necessity of divine grace, because, as it is congenital to man, so it is insuperable by him and he cannot shake it off but by the omnipotent energy of the Holy Spirit.'

Fallen man has both moral and natural inability to keep God's law.  But by the Spirit.

Next week's reading

Read 'Christology'.

Now it's your turn

Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.