The sermon, "This is the worst part of the picture," by James Smith, addresses the doctrine of total depravity and the grace of God in salvation. Smith argues that humanity, fallen and afflicted by sin, is in a morally wretched state, described as totally depraved, wicked, and opposed to God, referencing Psalm 144:3 and Jeremiah 17:9 to illuminate man's depravity and enmity towards the Creator. He contrasts the horror of man's moral condition with the astonishing grace of God who, despite this depravity, chooses to redeem and embrace fallen humanity as His children. The sermon emphasizes that through God’s grace, even the most wretched of beings can be transformed and receive glory that surpasses the initial state of creation, pointing to future hope in seeing God as He is, as captured in Psalm 8:4 and the implications of 1 John 3:2. The doctrinal significance lies in recognizing the depth of human sinfulness while marveling at the scope of divine grace that brings renewal and transformation.
Key Quotes
“What is man, that you should notice us, mere mortals, that you should care for us?”
“He has no will to do good. He has no power to do good, even if he had the will.”
“What astonishing grace!”
“Renewed man will be like Jesus... for he will be as nearly like God as perfected human nature can be made like the divine.”
The Bible teaches that man is totally depraved and in opposition to God due to sin, as stated in various passages.
The Bible presents a sobering picture of human depravity, indicating that after the fall, mankind is not only sinful but totally depraved. In Jeremiah 17:9, we read that the heart of man is deceitful above all things, reflecting the profound moral corruption that stems from sin. Additionally, Romans 3:10-12 confirms that there is no one righteous, no not one, and emphasizes man's inability to seek God on his own. This total depravity means that every aspect of humanity—from mind to will to emotions—is affected by sin, rendering man an enemy of God who possesses no inherent will or power to do good. In this state, man is fully dependent on God's grace to restore any capacity for righteousness.
Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:10-12
God's grace is sufficient because it overcomes our total depravity, allowing us to become His children despite our sins.
God's grace is astonishingly sufficient to save lost sinners, overcoming even the deepest depths of total depravity. Ephesians 2:8-9 states that we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. This grace is not merely an offer but an effective, transformative power that brings the dead to life. As the sermon emphasizes, despite our vile and sinful state, God chooses to include us in His family. This is evident in Romans 5:8, which declares that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, demonstrating God's love and grace in action. Through this, we can be assured that His grace is sufficient and powerful enough to bring about our renewal and sanctification.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8
Understanding our sinful nature highlights our need for grace and acknowledges God's sovereignty in salvation.
Recognizing and understanding our sinful nature is crucial for all Christians, as it keeps us grounded in the reality of our dependence on God's grace. Romans 7:18 reveals that in us, nothing good dwells, which drives home the point that we are incapable of achieving righteousness on our own. This understanding leads to humility and a greater appreciation for the grace that God extends, emphasizing our need for redemption. Furthermore, acknowledging our fallen state reminds us of the role of divine sovereignty in salvation—it's not our own efforts but God's initiative that brings about renewal. This understanding also fosters a proper response of worship and gratitude, as we realize the great lengths He has gone to rescue us from our wretched condition.
Romans 7:18
The Bible promises a glorious future for renewed humanity, allowing us to be like Christ and dwell with God eternally.
The Bible provides profound hope for renewed humanity, promising that those who are transformed by God's grace will ultimately be like Christ. As 1 John 3:2 affirms, we are now the children of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him. This hope extends beyond mere moral improvement; instead, it paints a picture of complete restoration and glorification of our humanity. In this renewed state, believers will possess a nature fully aligned with God's, enjoying perfect fellowship with Him, which is a culmination of all human longings and desires. Moreover, the glimpse into our future as shining ones in the kingdom of God promises an eternity more glorious than any state experienced prior, marking a profound transformation brought about by divine grace.
1 John 3:2
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