The concepts of responsibility and ability are often conflated in theological discussions, particularly in the debate between Reformed theology on one hand, and Arminianism and Provisionism on the other. Arminians and Provisionists often argue that for humans to be held responsible by God, they must have the ability to respond positively to the gospel message. However, this understanding is not the only way to interpret responsibility, especially when examined in the broader context of both Scripture and everyday experiences.
Responsibility and Ability in Scripture
Reformed theology maintains that while humans are indeed responsible for their actions and decisions, this does not necessarily imply that they have the intrinsic ability to fulfill God’s righteous requirements apart from His grace. The Bible clearly teaches that humans are morally accountable to God, yet it also affirms the doctrine of total depravity, which asserts that, due to the fall, human beings are incapable of coming to God in faith on their own.
Romans 3:10-12 states, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." This passage highlights the universal sinfulness and spiritual inability of humanity. Similarly, Ephesians 2:1 describes humans as "dead in [their] transgressions and sins," emphasizing the need for divine intervention to bring about spiritual life.
Everyday Examples of Responsibility Without Ability
In everyday life, we encounter numerous situations where responsibility does not equate to ability. For instance, a person may incur a debt they are unable to repay. Despite their inability, they are still held responsible for that debt. This responsibility does not disappear simply because they lack the ability to fulfill it. Similarly, parents are responsible for the well-being of their children even when circumstances render them unable to provide adequately.
These examples illustrate that being held responsible for something does not necessarily require the inherent ability to accomplish it. Responsibility is often about the moral obligation to fulfill a duty, regardless of one’s ability to do so.
Theological Implications
From a theological perspective, this understanding of responsibility without inherent ability underscores the necessity of God’s grace in salvation. In Reformed theology, God’s sovereign grace enables the elect to respond in faith. John 6:44 affirms this: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day." Here, Jesus clearly states that human ability to come to Him is contingent upon divine intervention.
The doctrine of irresistible grace further explains that those whom God has chosen will inevitably be drawn to Him and will respond in faith. This does not negate human responsibility; rather, it affirms that God's grace is the decisive factor in overcoming human inability. Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces this idea: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
The Reformed View of Human Inability and Divine Responsibility
Reformed theology posits that human inability to respond to the gospel due to sin does not absolve individuals of their responsibility. God’s law is perfect, and humans are required to obey it fully. The failure to do so due to sinfulness does not lessen the demand of the law. Instead, it highlights humanity's need for a savior. This inability to fulfill the law and respond to God in faith points to the necessity of Christ's atoning work and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
The Arminian and Provisionist view that equates responsibility with the ability to respond in faith does not adequately account for the biblical and practical realities of human experience. Scripture affirms human responsibility alongside the clear teaching of human inability due to sin. Just as in everyday life where people are responsible for debts they cannot repay, humans are responsible before God for their sin, despite their inability to seek Him without divine intervention. Reformed theology upholds that God’s sovereign grace is the means by which He enables the elect to fulfill their responsibility to respond in faith, thereby highlighting the magnificence of God’s mercy and the depth of human dependence on His grace.