What Is Total Depravity?
What Is Total Depravity? Total depravity is the doctrine that sin has corrupted every part of human nature, leaving no one able to save himself.
Key verse: Romans 3:10-12 (KJV)
Total depravity is the doctrine that sin has corrupted every part of human nature, leaving no one able to save himself.
Total depravity is the doctrine that sin has corrupted every part of human nature, leaving no one able to save himself.
"There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God." — Romans 3:10-12 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Total depravity does not mean that every person is as evil as he could possibly be. It means that sin has affected every faculty — mind, will, emotions, conscience, and body. There is no part of human nature untouched by the fall. Because of this, the unconverted person is spiritually dead, blind to the things of God, and unable on his own to come to Christ. 'There is none righteous, no, not one... there is none that seeketh after God' (Romans 3:10-11). This doctrine destroys all pride and shows why salvation must be entirely a work of God's grace. The Holy Spirit must give new life before a sinner can repent and believe.
Key Scripture References
"There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Doctrine of Original Sin?
Original sin is the doctrine that all human beings inherit a sinful nature and guilt from Adam, our first father.
What Is Irresistible Grace?
Irresistible grace is the doctrine that when God sovereignly calls a sinner to salvation, the Holy Spirit effectually draws him to Christ.
What Is Regeneration in the Bible?
Regeneration is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which a spiritually dead sinner is given new life in Christ.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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Can God Forgive Any Sin?
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God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Total Depravity?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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