Total depravity illustrates that Herod acted according to his sinful nature, pursuing wickedness without restraint.
Herod's actions serve as a clear demonstration of total depravity, a key tenet in Reformed theology. Total depravity teaches that as fallen creatures, all humans, including Herod, are incapable of doing good without God's grace. Herod's willingness to kill John the Baptist for his own selfish desires is emblematic of a heart unrestrained by divine influence. He feared people's opinions more than God, illustrating a life devoid of true reverence for the Lord. Scripture depicts him as acting out of his sinful will, echoing the warning given in Romans 3:18, 'There is no fear of God before their eyes.' This only affirms our need for God’s sovereign mercy to influence our hearts toward righteousness.
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