The next section of the book, “A Refutation of the Doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity” by Aylette Raines (1833) is called “Reasons for Not Believing the Doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity.” I have posted Part 1 of the audio for this section of the book.
I have posted audio file #2 containing Raines’ examination of more proof texts commonly sited as Biblical proof of Total Hereditary Depravity. Thanks to therestorationmovement.com for the photo of Raines’ gravestone.
You probably have friends or relatives who believe that people are “born in sin” or that we are “guilty in Adam” or some other variation of Total Hereditary Depravity. This doctrine is certainly taught by many of the popular preachers of “Christian Radio.” There are a host of Biblical passages that are said to prove this doctrine. Aylette Raines wrote a response to these alleged passages 183 years ago (1833). His answer to these alleged proof texts is still “on the mark” today.
Aylette Raines continues with his “Refutation of the Doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity” by demonstrating that this doctrine IS the teaching of various denominations. Moreover, as Raines reasons, if human beings inherit the original sin of Adam, as the doctrine teaches, then two results inevitably follow: 1) All babies are born guilty of sin, thus those who die in infancy must be lost (i.e. go to hell), and 2) since Christ “became flesh” (John 1:14), He likewise was polluted by the guilt of original sin. In the light of abundant Bible teaching, neither of these results is acceptable; therefore, the doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity as taught by the creeds and denominations cannot be true. The book was published in 1833. [11 min. 25 sec.]
Restoration Audio Books 