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What does the Bible say about total depravity?

Answered in 68 sources

The Bible asserts that total depravity is the condition of all humanity due to the fall, stating that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

The Bible emphasizes that all of humanity is affected by total depravity as a result of sin entering the world through Adam. Romans 5:12 states, 'Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.' This indicates that every human being is born into a state of sin, separated from God's holiness. The Scriptures portray mankind as 'having gone astray' and being unable to do good (Psalm 14:3). This total depravity is not merely a behavioral issue but a fundamental condition of human nature, as Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that 'the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.' Thus, total depravity highlights our need for divine grace and redemption.
Scripture References: Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Psalm 14:3, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:10, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:19-20, Genesis 6:5, John 6:44, Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 2:1-5, Psalm 51:5, Isaiah 1:2-8, Romans 3:10-18, Titus 3:1-5, Ephesians 2:1, Isaiah 64:6, Genesis 2:15-17, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 3:9-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Mark 7:14-23, Jeremiah 13:23, Ephesians 2:3, Job 42:5-6, Titus 3:3-5, Psalm 36:1-4, John 8:7, Psalm 14, Ephesians 2:1-4, Romans 3:9-20, Genesis 2:17, Romans 5:18, Judges 3:12-15, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Ephesians 2:1-10, Isaiah 40:6-8, Romans 7:18, Romans 8:8, Jeremiah 9:13-15, Ezekiel 37, Ephesians 2:1-9, Genesis 6:5-8, Romans 3:9-24, Psalms 51:5, Romans 8:7, 2 Samuel 23:5, Isaiah 62:12, Psalm 3:8, Psalm 14:2-3, Psalm 14:1-3, Luke 3:7, James 1:15, Genesis 34, Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:9-12, Ephesians 4:22, Romans 3:10-12; Jeremiah 17:9, Ezekiel 37:1-14

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