The Bible affirms total depravity by teaching that unregenerate man is inherently hostile to God and unable to come to Christ without divine intervention (Romans 8:7, 1 Corinthians 2:14).
The doctrine of total depravity posits that every part of humanity is affected by sin, rendering individuals incapable of seeking God on their own. Romans 8:7 states, 'The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.' This indicates that in their natural state, individuals possess no genuine desire for God or His salvation, but rather, are in rebellion against Him. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 2:14 explains that 'the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him,' signifying that understanding spiritual truths requires divine assistance.
Scripture repeatedly supports the notion that without God changing the heart and will of a person, they are wholly incapable of initiating a relationship with Him. The inability of fallen humanity to come to Christ exemplifies the profound need for God’s sovereign grace to regenerate hearts and lead individuals to faith. This is integral to the biblical understanding of salvation, confirming that all glory belongs to God for the salvation of His people.
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