The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Still Totally Depraved?

I know this sounds like a basic question, but would you say that Christians are still "totally depraved"? I am thinking of Romans 3-4 and 7, as well as Philippians 3 and Galatians 3:3.

NO

Praise God, no, we are not! If we were, then regeneration would be to no purpose.

Thanks.

I'd been doing a search of posts over on the Puritan Board, and I'd run across a statement by someont that we're still totally depraved. I was like, "What?" and wondered if I had perhaps been missing something.

Lesson: As always, be very, very cautious on Puritan Board <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Is the purpose of regeneration to remove depravity? If so, does any depravity remain in the regenerate?

1) Yes, one of the purposes of regeneration is to remove "total depravity". This is accomplished by the creation of a new "nature", i.e., a new godly disposition which renews the mind, heart and will, so that it is inclined toward God. "Total Depravity" is a moral problem not a physical one. Thus the power of sin is broken.

2) Yes, there are remnants of the old nature which remain after regeneration which war against the new man. This must not be misconstrued as some form of dualism, e.g,. old nature and new nature, but one where the new disposition is not complete and will not be so until glorification.

The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter XIII
Of Sanctification

I. They, who are once effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection,[1] by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them:[2] the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,[3] and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified;[4] and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,[5] to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.[6]

1. I Thess. 5:23-24; II Thess. 2:13-14; Ezek. 36:22-28; Titus 3:5; Acts 20:32; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5-6
2. John 17:17, 19; Eph. 5:26; Rom. 8:13-14; II Thess. 2:13
3. Rom. 6:6, 14
4. Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:13
5. Col. 1:10-11; Eph. 3:16-19
6. II Cor. 7:1; Col. 1:28, 4:12; Heb. 12:14

II. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man;[7] yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part;[8] whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.[9]

7. I Thess. 5:12; Rom. 12:1-2
8. I John 1:8-10; Rom. 7:14-25; Phil. 3:12
9. Gal. 5:17

III. In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail;[10] yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome;[11] and so, the saints grow in grace,[12] perfecting holiness in the fear of God.[13]

10. Rom. 7:23
11. Rom. 6:14; I John 5:4; Eph. 4:15-16; see Rom. 8:2
12. II Peter 3:18; II Cor. 3:18

13. II Cor. 7:1

In His Grace,