Prt 1 Doctrines of Grace - Total Depravity (Daniel Gomes)
Daniel kicks off a 5-part series on the doctrines of grace (TULIP). This first installment is on humanity's radical corruption, commonly known as total depravity.
We dive into the first letter of the acronym: T for Total Depravity.
To clear up common misunderstandings, total depravity does not mean we are as evil as we could possibly be. Instead, it means that every single part of our being—our minds, wills, hearts, and bodies—has been corrupted by the Fall. A more accurate term might be radical corruption.
Through a deep dive into Scripture, we explore three crucial realities:
Humanity's Slavery to Sin: Sin isn’t just something we dabble in; it is a power that controls and masters us.
Our Inability to Do Spiritual Good: While humans can perform "civil virtue" (actions that outwardly look good), our underlying motives are never entirely righteous apart from God.
Our Direct Need for Regeneration: Because we are spiritually dead, we cannot simply "choose" to fix ourselves. We need the Father to draw us and the Holy Spirit to give us brand-new life.
Ultimately, understanding our deep brokenness isn't meant to despair us—it is designed to thoroughly humble us and magnify the lavish, rescuing grace of Jesus Christ.
"While depravity often still describes us as Christians, it no longer defines us."
