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Orthodox Doctrine (Summary of Christian Divinity)
Metropolitan Platon of Moscow, tr. Pinkerton, 1814
17. Part 2, Section 17: Man Was Unable to Deliver Himself
Out of this state of utter ruin, the human race could have no hope of saving themselves.
The dead can never raise himself to life, nor can he who is fallen into a deep pit ever get out of it without the help of another. But, according to Paul, man is “dead in sins;” Eph. ii. 5; and the comparison used by Christ, Mat. xii. 11, represents him, as fallen into the pit of misery. Therefore it was altogether impossible for him to deliver himself out of this state of utter ruin.
We have proved, in Section xviii. of the First Part, that, according to our apprehension, the mercy of God might be obtained in two ways: namely, by doing good, and by repentance. But though these means, to appearance, and according to the reasonings of man, may seem to be effectual; yet, when we duly consider them, and diligently penetrate into the spirit of the sacred Scriptures, we find them ineffectual. For, respecting the first, doing good, this requires, (as we have already pointed out,) that man should perfectly fulfil the law of God, and at no time be a partaker in any kind of sin. But who, amongst men can boast of a holiness like this, in the corrupt state of human nature, such as we have formerly described? I do not here speak of those who are converted to Christ; but of such as still remain in unbelief.
In regard to repentance also, it can never be sincere in the corrupt and unregenerate heart; because, to the end of life, the perpetual commission of sin proves it to be weak and ineffectual; for former acts of repentance, are ever violated by present transgressions. I do not mean evangelical or Christian repentance; it is of another kind: and why it is effectual, we shall soon shew.
Let no man, however, suppose, that because God is infinitely merciful, or rather mercy itself, he can, without regarding men’s imperfections and their falling into sin, out of his mere goodness, pardon men, and render them fit to be partakers of his blessedness and glory. Such reasoning is base and sinful; it makes the mercy of God blind; it presupposes a God not possessed of eternal and inviolable rectitude. It obliges him to regard the righteous and the wicked alike, a supposition which it is dreadful to apply to the living God.
Does any one ask, by what way then can man be saved? By that way, I answer, which infinite wisdom has devised, and in which the mercy of our God is united with a full satisfaction of his justice, in the work of our salvation. And what this way is, the word of God has particularly revealed to us.