Total Depravity

Definitions

Total Depravity: A doctrinal position within Calvinism that asserts the pervasive corruption of human nature due to original sin, affecting all aspects of an individual’s being.

Original sin is the doctrine that, as a result of Adam’s fall, all mankind are sinners by nature, having a propensity to sin that underlies every actual sin.

Similar terms: Radical corruption, moral inability, human brokenness

Question 13

Can anyone keep the law of God perfectly?

Since the fall, no mere human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly, but consistently breaks it in thought, word, and deed.

None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. (Romans 3:10–12)

Question 14

Did God create us unable to keep his law?

No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen; we are all born in sin and guilt, corrupt in our nature and unable to keep God’s law.

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)

Question 15

Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose?

That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)

Question 16

What is sin?

Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, rebelling against him by living without reference to him, not being or doing what he requires in his law—resulting in our death and the disintegration of all creation.

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4)

References

Logos Bible Software

New City Catechism