Its
importance:
Our
understanding of the problem will govern our
understanding of the treatment needed. If we fail to
understand the Biblical teaching on this doctrine our
understanding of all the doctrines related to salvation
will be faulty. To have a right understanding in this
matter is therefore crucial.
To
what does the expression refer?
The
expression "total depravity" describes the
condition of man as he is now in sin, as a result of the
"fall" in Adam. It does not indicate man's
original state when first created.
What
it does not mean:
It does not mean that every man is as evil as he possibly
could be. It does not mean that man is incapable of
things considered good and noble from a human viewpoint.
What
it does mean:
Basically it means that sin has affected every aspect of
a man's being. It means that in and of himself, man in
the state of sin is unable to do anything which is
spiritually good or which will contribute toward his
return to and reconciliation with God.
Broadly speaking we may view "man" as comprised
of mind (intellect, that part of us which thinks and
understands); affections (that part of us which
"feels", either attracting us to something or
repelling us from it); and will (the volitional part
which chooses and acts).
How
has sin affected these basic elements of man's being?
- The mind has become darkened with
respect to spiritual things:
Romans 8:5-8; 1 Corinthians
2:9-14 ( especially vs. 14 ); 2 Corinthians
4:4; Ephesians 4:17,18; Colossians 1:21
- The affections have been corrupted
by sin.
John 3:19; Job 15:14-16; Genesis
6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Isaiah 53:2
- The will is in bondage to sin.
It is important to appreciate that the will is
controlled by the nature; what we do is
determined by what we are; the fruit depends on
the nature of the tree. The will is not an
independent principle, but is always governed by
other elements of the nature.
Consider a sheep and a vulture in a field of
grass in which there is the carcass of a dead
dog. The sheep eat the grass; the vulture eats
the dog. Why? Simply because their choice is
governed by their nature.
Will man then, with darkened mind and corrupted
affections choose Christ and the way of holiness
if left to his own free will? No! The faculty of
choice is still his, and no one coerces him, but
governed by his sinful nature he always makes the
wrong choice in spiritual matters if left to
himself. John 5:40,43,44; 6:44 (Compare Genesis
37:4). Job 14:4; Jeremiah 13:23. Note especially
Romans 3:10-18.
Man is invited and indeed commanded to repent and
believe the gospel. It is his responsibility and
duty to do so; he cannot be saved unless he
repents of sin and exercises faith in Jesus
Christ. Yet because of his sinful state he is, of
himself, unable to do so. This is the alarming
condition of a sinner. His need is a supernatural
divine work in his soul. This is how the Bible
does explain the reception of Christ by some. See
John 1:12,13.
The
Bible clearly states what man (by his own will or power)
cannot do.
The figures by which the Bible describes the
work of salvation emphasize the Divine initiative and
Divine sovereignty
Man is indeed totally depraved.
Lost in every terrible sense of the word. His desperate
need is a super- natural work of God's grace in his soul,
to enlighten his mind, re-order his affections and
liberate his will, so that he might understand the gospel
and desire and choose Jesus Christ.
Home
| Our Location
| Reformed
Baptist?
Ministries
| A Brief History
| Links
Declaring
the Whole Counsel of God | Articles
Contact
our Pastor
|