The dissention over topics of predestination in the bible begin with the question of man’s depravity. Is man able to do ‘good’ before he is a believer? ‘Good’ like accepting Christ? Some believe that he can, other’s in the reformed tradition believe that he cannot. If man is to accept Christ, God must enable him to do it.

Although there are many verses supporting the reformed understanding of man’s condition, and indeed some apparently in support of the opposition, I came upon this one today and found it’s language compelling.

Jeremiah 13:23:

Can the Ethiopian change his skin
   or the leopard his spots?
Then also you can do good,
   who are accustomed to do evil.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God argues that the rebellious creatures of man are no more able to do ‘good’ in their natural state than is a person able to change the color of his skin, or a big cat the pattern in his fur.