Calvinism in its Most Loathsome Form

The Reformation For Which We Are Pleading: A Collection of Articles by Moses E. Lard

Here it may be well to pause long enough to note the fact, that Calvinism in its most loathsome form, and the doctrine of original sin, different though they are, yet land their votaries very near the same mark. Calvinism places infants in hell, for no crime whatever, either of the parent or the child, personal or transmitted. Original sin places them there, for no sin of the child, but for a transmitted one of the parent. According to neither is the infant placed in hell for its own sin. Both, then, alike make God the author of the damnation of the innocent. In other words, both represent God as creating some infants for no purpose but to damn them, and as damning them for no reason except that he has created them. The difference between the two doctrines just at this point is a difference not worth drawing.


The above post is an excerpt from the book, The Reformation For Which We Are Pleading: A Collection of Articles by Moses E. Lard. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

NEW RELEASE: A Refutation of Hereditary Total Depravity

A Refutation of Hereditary Total DepravityWe would like to announce our newest title – A Refutation of Hereditary Total Depravity by Aylett Raines – is now available. This is a reprint of a public domain book that has been out of print. It was originally published in 1859.

Raines was converted from Universalism after hearing the gospel preached by Walter Scott. He went on to preach the gospel and was a contemporary of men like Scott, Thomas Campbell, and Alexander Campbell.

This is the fourth release in our Ancient Landmarks Collection. This collection is made up of materials that have been produced by those associated with the Restoration Movement. More titles will be added to this collection in the future. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to be notified of new releases.

[Note: When you subscribe to our mailing list, you will also receive a free ebook – The Foundation for a Godly Society.]

A Refutation of Hereditary Total Depravity provides a thorough examination of the Calvinistic doctrine of total depravity and original sin and explains from the Scriptures why the doctrine is false. Read more about the book and purchase your copy today!

Bad Men Can Become Worse (Excerpt)

The following is an excerpt from the book, A Refutation of Hereditary Total Depravity by Aylett Raines.

That all unregenerate men are not equally, and, consequently, not totally depraved or wholly inclined to all evil, we will now prove from the Scriptures, by a few out of the many passages which might be adduced. Paul says that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.” Now, it must be admitted that evil men and seducers are unregenerate men. How, then, can these men, by nature totally depraved, become worse and worse? Worse than totally depraved? Worse than wholly inclined to all evil? Impossible! Every reader, who is not blind, can certainly perceive that if bad men can become worse, they are not by nature totally depraved!

You can read more in A Refutation of Hereditary Total Depravity. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

The Root of the Problem: Chapter 2 – “We’re Only Human” (Excerpt)

Man has repeatedly shown a preference to sin – some on occasion, some perpetually. But everyone has done it. When considering this fact, many get discouraged, thinking that there must be no way to overcome sin. “We’re only human” is the excuse that is given (as if this somehow justifies one’s actions).

One of the fundamental tenets of Calvinism is the inherent sinfulness of man. Calvin’s doctrine of total depravity is the belief that we are born in such a state that we are totally corrupt, inclined toward sin, and unable to do what is right on our own. The doctrine states that one cannot even come to God without a direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon his heart.

Yet the Bible teaches something very different than Calvin. “God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). When we sin, it is because we choose to sin. It is not because we are unable to help ourselves since God failed to do something that would keep us from sinning. Calvin’s doctrine takes the blame for sin away from the one who commits it and places it upon God for not regenerating the sinner.

It is true that we are human. But this is not an excuse for sin. Granted, as long as we live, we will have the potential to sin. But that does not excuse or justify it. We still must make the choice: to do good or do evil. (p. 6-7)

You can read more about the pursuit of perfection in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!