How does the doctrine of total depravity affect salvation?

The doctrine of total depravity teaches that because all human beings are entirely affected by sin, they are incapable of coming to God or achieving righteousness on their own. In Romans 3, Paul lays this foundation by stating that there is no one who seeks after God or does good. This highlights the necessity of divine intervention for salvation, underscoring the Reformed theological perspective that God must first act in grace to soften hearts and open eyes. Salvation becomes a sovereign act of God, carried out in Christ, and received through faith alone, reflective of His mercy rather than any merit on our part.