The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum On the matter of Total Depravity

The "textbook" is, of course, the Scriptures which is where we find the correct answers to such questions.

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Here's my response to the question in quasi-Socratic form.

1. Total Depravity is a condition or state of spirituality which is inherited from Adam's fall. There are lots of texts that show this to be true as you readily know. The entire nature of man is inclined to sin and sin only; hating God and all that is holy, righteous and good.
2. The corollary and term often used as a synonym (perhaps in an attempt to make the doctrine less offensive to people's ears? hehe) is "Total Inability". This is an accurate description of the expression of that depraved nature, especially in its effect. Man is wholly incapable of pleasing God or doing anything good.
3. And why is this true? Because the very core, the nature, the soul of fallen man is predisposed to evil, i.e., his mind and affections love all that is evil and thus he only CAN do that which is evil (Gen 6:5; 8:21; Jer 13:23; et al). Thus, for example, in the matter of believing on Christ, there is no desire to do so. Likewise, there is no desire whatsoever to do that which is good, holy and pure out of a heart of grateful obedience to God.
4. In summary, the natural fallen man is spiritually "DEAD...DEAD...DEAD"!
5. Next, what is regeneration? What are some of the terms used as synonyms for regeneration; e.g., making alive, raising from the dead, born again, etc. What actually occurs when the Holy Spirit regenerates a dead sinner? Ans: A new nature is recreated.
6. The next big question is: Is there an actual and radical change to the nature at regeneration? And if so, what change(s) take place? Ans: The regenerated person is no longer subject to the power of the old sin nature; albeit this is not a total release from it. A new holy disposition, inclination is formed whereby the person loves God and all that is good. Thus the person is no longer a bondservant of sin but rather a bondservant of Christ. (Rom 6:6f; Gal 2:20; 4:7,8; 5:24)
7. Moving along, when a sinner is regenerated, who believes on Christ; the person or the Holy Spirit? When a regenerated person prays, who does the praying; the person or the Holy Spirit? When a regenerated person is encouraged, even commanded to live a holy life (good works), who does this; the person or the Holy Spirit? (Phil 2:12,13; and many more). And the ability to do so is because of the new nature wrought by the Holy Spirit.
8. To sum up, is sanctification monergistic? or synergistic?
9. Why is sanctification a logical necessity to justification? (hint: because a new nature has been created). The regenerated person knows (intellect) what is right, true and glorifying to God, he desires (affections) Christ and His righteousness and who is his only hope. He strives to rid himself of sin, and to conform himself to the holy law of God out of love for Christ.
10. Quickly now... applying these biblical truths concerning the fallen nature of man, aka: Totally Depravity, it cannot be applied to a regenerated man because he is a "new creation". What is true is that there is a remnant of the old nature which remains and thus an inner "war" is waged through the Christian's life. The new nature is able to profess, for example Psalm 119:165-172 or Romans 7:14ff.
11. What can be and must be affirmed, however, is that the regenerate man is NOT "Totally Depraved" and thus under the total dominion of sin but rather there is a remnant of the old man which remains and it effects the whole man; the mind, affections and will. In this sense, it is proper to speak of a depravity that is total, i.e., in its extent. But again, it is not true that the theological term used to describe the spiritually dead sinner, Total Depravity, is applicable to a regenerated person.
12. Just a side note on the matter which A.C. brought up, i.e., Assurance. I believe he is incorrect to say that our assurance only comes from our faith in Christ. Doesn't this put the basis for assurance on ourselves, i.e., OUR faith? I think it is easy to show the error here, because all one needs to do is bring up the matter of those who make false professions. They have a false assurance based upon a false profession. I believe assurance comes from three sources, all which work together and cannot be disregarded, for they provide a 'check & balance' system: 1) The testimony of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:16), 2) Good works (Jam 2:18ff) and 3) The testimony of the Church which is given the keys of the kingdom (Matt 16:19; 18:18).