Bootstrap

What does the Bible say about total depravity?

Answered in 140 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, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:1, Psalm 14, Romans 3, Genesis 6, Ephesians 2:1-5, Psalm 51:5, Isaiah 64:6, Isaiah 1:2-8, Romans 3:10-18, Titus 3:1-5, Genesis 2:15-17, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 3:10-11, Psalm 14:2-3, Isaiah 59:10-11, Romans 3:9-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Mark 7:14-23, Jeremiah 13:23, Ephesians 2:3, John 3:3, Job 42:5-6, Romans 3:11, Titus 3:3-5, Psalm 36:1-4, John 8:7, Psalm 53, Genesis 2:7-17, Genesis 3:6-24, Psalm 58:3, John 9:13-38, Psalm 14:1-3, John 12:37, Ephesians 2:1-4, Romans 3:9-20, Genesis 2:17, Romans 8:7-8, Genesis 3, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 5:18, Judges 3:12-15, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:1-18, Romans 7:18, Isaiah 40:6-8, Romans 3:9-12, Colossians 2:13, Romans 8:8, Isaiah 59, Matthew 15:18-20, Romans 3:9-20; Ephesians 2:1-4, Jeremiah 2:13, 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, Titus 3:2-3, Isaiah 62:12, Psalm 3:8, Luke 3:7, James 1:15, Genesis 34, 2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 4:22, Romans 3:10-12; Jeremiah 17:9, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Genesis 6:5-14

Sermons (126)

The Unclean Saved
Eric Lutter · Nov 25, 2018
Six Vital Truths
Frank Tate · Dec 21, 2021
Romans 8:31-39
Mikal Smith · Dec 14, 2025
Six Vital Truths
Frank Tate · Nov 21, 2021
Psalm 36
Todd Nibert · Feb 13, 2022
I Thought
Cody Groover · Sep 18, 2016
Our Foolish Heart
Frank Tate · May 23, 2018
Christ is Lord
Don Fortner · Jun 3, 2018
Unbelief
Jim Byrd · Aug 8, 2018
Give God the Glory
Wayne Boyd · Nov 17, 2024
Psalm 14
Rick Warta · Mar 24, 2022
Psalm 14
Todd Nibert · Aug 8, 2021
Utterly Depraved
Tim James · Jul 14, 2024
Total Depravity
Clay Curtis · Sep 30, 2018
Total Depravity
Mike Baker · May 14, 2020
Matthew (pt47)
John Reeves · Dec 13, 2024
None doeth good
Greg Elmquist · Jan 10, 2018
Tv: T.U.L.I.P
Gabe Stalnaker · Aug 4, 2019
What Shall I Cry?
Frank Tate · Mar 10, 2024
Christians
Paul Pendleton · Jul 17, 2022
But God
Don Fortner · Dec 20, 2015
A Memorial
Mike McInnis · Nov 13, 2016
T.U.L.I.P
Gabe Stalnaker · Jan 13, 2019
The Remnant Seed
Eric Lutter · Nov 7, 2018
Disciples Indeed
Jim Byrd · May 10, 2017
6 Gospel Truths
Frank Tate · Aug 7, 2016
We Know
Frank Tate · Jun 14, 2020
The Memory of God
Fred Evans · Jan 17, 2016
Tulip
Paul Mahan · Nov 29, 2015
No, Not One
Norm Day · Sep 18, 2022

Articles (14)

Total Depravity
Gilbert Beebe · Jul 29, 2004
TULIP
David Eddmenson · Aug 11, 2021
T.U.L.I.P.
Henry Mahan · Sep 11, 2025
Total Depravity
Don Fortner · Jun 7, 2009
Joshua

Joshua

Shall we play a game? Ask me about articles, sermons, or theology from our library. I can also help you navigate the site.