What Is Total Depravity — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Is Total Depravity?" Actually Means
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.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Romans 3:10-12
"There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."
Jeremiah 17:9
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
Ephesians 2:1
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
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