Why is knowing about total depravity important for Christians?

Total depravity refers to the biblical teaching that, due to the Fall, every aspect of humanity has been affected by sin. This means that apart from God's grace, individuals cannot come to Him or do anything good in His sight. Romans 3:10-12 articulates this by declaring that 'there is none righteous, no not one; there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.' This doctrine compels Christians to rely wholly on God's mercy rather than their efforts for salvation, emphasizing the desperate need for divine aid and the transformative power of grace through Christ. Without the recognition of our depravity, we may mistakenly trust in our goodness instead of wholly depending on God's grace for salvation.