Matthew,
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The sinner must be convicted of his total depravity and inability, otherwise the Saviour is reduced to a mere helper.
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Agreed, without equivocation.
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Experience shows that the universal nature of sin cannot really be explained except on the grounds of the imputation of Adam's guilt to all mankind. So it is best to follow the wisdom of our fathers, and present the story of the fall and redemption in its biblical balance.
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I don't disagree. While it is best to present the entire picture of mans depravity and inability, not every message is going to present that fact in totality. This morning our pastor preached from 1 John 4. The gospel was preached although the text did not call for an explanation of Adam's fall.
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This recurring idea, that we can reduce the gospel to a bare minimum knowledge necessary for salvation, is not wise.
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Matthew, please do not think that is what I am suggesting. I am not advocating "bare minimum knowledge." I am suggesting that an individual can be convinced of their "total depravity and inability" by the conviction of the Spirit, through the word preached even if Adam's fall is not mentioned.