In this chapter, we will confront the crucial truth: men sin because they were born morally corrupt. [1] One of the most important terms used by theologians to describe the depths of moral corruption inherited by humans is the word depravity, which derives from the prefix of-, which communicates intensity, and from the Latin word pravus, meaning twisted or distorted. To say that something is depraved is to say that its original state or form has been completely perverted. To say that the human race is depraved means to say that it has fallen from its original state of justice and that all men are born morally corrupt sinners. To describe the extent of this moral corruption, theologians often use several terms that communicate the same truth, the most common being total depravity, spiritual death, and moral incapacity.
The term total depravity was long ago used by reformist theologians and others to describe the fallen condition of man. Although the term is appropriate when correctly defined, the terms generalized depravity or radical depravity may be more appropriate. [2] Does saying that every man is totally depraved does not mean that he is as bad as he can be or that every job he does is totally and perfectly wrong, does this mean that depravity, or moral corruption, has affected your whole body?intellect and willpower. Next, we’ll see what total depravity means and what it doesn’t mean.
- First.
- Total depravity does not mean that God’s image in man was totally lost in the fall.
- In many texts.
- The scriptures still refer to man as done “in the image of God”.
- [3] Does total depravity mean that the image of God in man has been seriously distorted and disfigured and that moral corruption contaminates the whole body.
- Reason.
- Emotions.
- And willpower of the person.
- [4].
Second, total depravity does not mean that man has no knowledge of the person or will of God. The Scriptures teach us that all men know enough about the true God and His will and that they are inexcusable before him on the day of judgment. It means that without a special work of grace, all men reject God’s truth and try to suppress it so that it does not disturb what remains of their conscience. [6] Men know enough about the truth about God to hate him and his willingness to resist it.
Third, total depravity does not mean that man has no conscience or is totally insensitive to good and evil. The scriptures teach that all men have a conscience that, if not burned, is able to lead them to admire actions and a virtuous character [7]. This means that men do not wholeheartedly obey the directives of their conscience. A man is not right because he knows what is right or denounces what is bad, but because he does good, he knows it. [8]
Fourth, total depravity does not mean that man is incapable of demonstrating virtue; there are men who love their families, sacrifice their own lives for others, do their civilian duties, and do good deeds in the name of religion; but this means that such a virtue is not motivated by true love of God or a genuine desire to obey His commandments. The scriptures testify that no man loves God in a dignified manner or in the manner commanded by the law, and that there is no man who glorifies God in every thought. , word or action [9]. Do all men prefer to God and is it self-love or others?and not love for God that drives them to act in acts of altruism, heroism, civil duty, and good religious work [10].
Fifth, total depravity does not mean that all men are as immoral as they could be, or that all men are equally immoral, or that all men practice all existing forms of evil; not all men are criminals, fornicators or murderers, but it means that all men are born with great propensity or inclination to evil and that all men are able to commit even the most horrific crimes and the most shameful perversions. As a whole, all mankind is subject to growing moral corruption and this moral deterioration would be incalculably faster if God’s common grace does not limit it. [11] Man, in himself, cannot be freed or recovered from this downward spiral [12].
Finally, total depravity does not mean that all men lack the necessary powers to obey God. Man is not a victim who wants to obey God, but is incapable due to factors beyond his will. God has endowed man with the intellect, the will. and the freedom to choose. Man, as a moral being, is therefore responsible before God. Total depravity means, in effect, that man cannot submit to God because he does not want him and does not want him because of his own hostility towards God. . [13]
[2] Generalizing means becoming a general or becoming a general; generalizing means spreading everywhere. Thus, depravity is linked to the root of who we are by nature; depravity comes directly from the root of our soul.
[4] Body (Romans 6. 6, 12; 7. 24; 8. 10, 13), Reason (Romans 1. 21; 2 Corinthians 3. 14-15; 4. 4; Ephesians 4. 17-19), Emotions (Romans 1. 26-27; Galatians 5. 24; 2 Timothy 3. 2- 4) and Will (Romans 6. 17; 7. 14-15);
[9] Deuteronomy 6. 4-5, Matthew 22. 37, 1 Corinthians 10. 31, Romans 1. 21
[11] A. A. Hodge, Sketch of Theology, 625
Excerpt from chapter 14 of the book book?From Paul Washer, which will be published by Faithful Editor. We had the opportunity to translate it and the privilege of being able to share with you brief excerpts from each chapter.
Translation: Vin-cius Musselman Pimentel. Version not revised or modified. Posted with permission.
© Faithful Editor. All rights reserved. Original: Destitute Sinners (Paul Washer) [14/26]
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