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Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

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<strong>New</strong> England theologians, and <strong>by</strong> some of the <strong>New</strong> School theologians in the<br />

Pres<strong>by</strong>terian Church. This theory is objectionable for several reasons: (1) A thing cannot<br />

be mediated <strong>by</strong> its own consequences. The inherent depravity with which the<br />

descendants of Adam are born is already the result of Adam’s sin, and therefore cannot<br />

be considered as the basis on which they are guilty of the sin of Adam. (2) It offers no<br />

objective ground whatsoever for the transmission of Adam’s guilt and depravity to all<br />

his descendants. Yet there must be some objective legal ground for this. (3) If this theory<br />

were consistent, it ought to teach the mediate imputation of the sins of all previous<br />

generations to those following, for their joint corruption is passed on <strong>by</strong> generation. (4)<br />

It also proceeds on the assumption that there can be moral corruption that is not at the<br />

same time guilt, a corruption that does not in itself make one liable to punishment. (5)<br />

And finally, if the inherent corruption which is present in the descendants of Adam can<br />

be regarded as the legal ground for the explanation of something else, there is no more<br />

need of any mediate imputation.<br />

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