Total depravity highlights humanity's complete inability to seek God or do good apart from divine grace, underscoring our need for salvation.
The doctrine of total depravity teaches that every part of humanity is affected by sin, rendering individuals totally incapable of achieving righteousness or seeking God through their own efforts. This ensures that salvation is entirely dependent on God's grace. John 5:40 illustrates this state, as Jesus says, 'you will not come to me that you might have life,' emphasizing the unwillingness of the natural man to turn to God. Understanding total depravity is crucial for Christians because it allows them to see the depths of their need for a Savior and recognize that any hope for salvation rests solely on God’s mercy. This understanding leads to the acknowledgment that it is only by God's irresistible grace that individuals are made willing to believe and accept Him, thus affirming the glory of His work in salvation.
Scripture References:
John 5:40, Romans 5:8, Romans 3:10-12, John 3:3, John 6:65, Romans 3:10, Ephesians 2:1-5, Ephesians 2:1, Romans 5:12, Psalm 51:5, John 6:44
Commentary