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What does total depravity mean in the Reformed tradition?

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Total depravity means that every part of humanity is affected by sin, rendering us unable to seek God without divine intervention.

In the context of Reformed theology, total depravity refers to the doctrine that every aspect of humanity—mind, will, emotions, and flesh—has been marred by sin due to the Fall. This does not imply that individuals cannot perform good actions in a worldly sense but asserts that spiritually, people are incapable of coming to God on their own. Jeremiah 17:9 shows the heart's wickedness, emphasizing that it is only through God's grace that one may come to faith and repentance. Understanding total depravity is essential for appreciating the necessity of grace in the salvation process, as it reveals our utter reliance on God for transformation and redemption.
Scripture References: Jeremiah 17:9

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