Why is understanding the doctrine of depravity important?

The doctrine of total depravity asserts that every aspect of humanity is tarnished by sin, leaving individuals unable to seek God or choose Christ on their own. Romans 3:10-12 emphasizes that there is none righteous, and Psalm 51:5 indicates that we are born in sin. Recognizing this profound state of depravity highlights the necessity of divine intervention for salvation. It illustrates that faith is not a natural ability but a gift from God, emphasizing the grace through which we are saved. Without acknowledging our depravity, the need for Christ's saving work becomes obscured, fostering a reliance on self rather than upon God's grace.