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What does total inability mean in Reformed theology?

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Total inability refers to humanity's complete inability to turn to God without divine intervention due to sin.

In Reformed theology, total inability indicates that due to the fall, humanity is incapacitated spiritually, unable to seek God or choose righteousness. The concept emphasizes that all humans, in their natural state, are dead in sin and cannot come to Christ unless they are drawn by the Holy Spirit (John 6:44). This underscores the necessity of grace — as it is only by God’s sovereign mercy that individuals can be made alive in Christ. It is through His initiative that we can respond to the Gospel, highlighting the core belief that salvation is wholly of the Lord and not based on human merit.
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:1, John 6:44

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