One of the most common "proofs" of the Calvinists for irresistible grace and the need for regeneration before faith is the analogy which compares the lost person to a dead person. The argument goes like this:
- A lost person is dead in trespasses and sins. [This is absolutely true according to Ephesians 2:1 - "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."]
- A dead person cannot believe in anything. [This is true in and of itself.]
- Therefore, a lost person cannot believe. [This is not true as seen below.]
First, the comparison of the lost person to a dead person, as all comparisons, only deals with certain issues--not with every part. For instance, a dead person cannot breath or move around, but a lost person can. A dead man has no hopes or dreams, but a lost man may. Jesus is the Lamb of God, but He does not go baaaa. Extended analogies are not a good form of proof.
Second, the Bible clearly states that a lost man can believe. John 11:25 states, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." Someone can believe in Jesus though he were dead. Certainly, the Calvinists have their answers to this. I, personally, do not deny the need for the enabling of God in order to come to Him. However, this enabling is given to all men. Jesus testified in John 12:32, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Through being lifted up on the cross, Jesus Christ draws all men to Him thus enabling them to come in faith to salvation.
