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

As I tried to explain in my lengthy reply above, the nature of an unregenerate individual is WHOLLY inclined/predisposed to sin. In the regenerate individual, there is a new and spiritual inclination/predisposition to holiness, which is effected in regeneration. However, there still remains in the regenerate individual a remnant of the old nature which "wars" against the new nature, thus making it impossible to attain perfection in this life. There is a constant struggle to "put off the old man and the putting on the new man" (Rom 7:5,6,14ff; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10). Thus, perfection in this life is impossible for even our best 'good works' are tainted with sin. In this sense, the regenerated individual is 'depraved', infected with sin in every aspect of his being; mind, emotions and will. But the remainder of the sin nature does not dominate. The effects of regeneration are often described as being released from the "presence, power and penalty of sin". The true Christian is not subject to God's judgment for sin since Christ bore the penalty for all sins. Yet, we are still subject to the temporal penalties, consequences of our sins. Sanctification is progressive vs immediate.

Let me recommend once again Thomas Boston's Human Nature in its Four-Fold State (Banner of Truth).

Perhaps the following articles on The Highway would be of some assistance:

- Sanctification, by Thomas Watson
- The Gradual Conquest, by Ralph Erskine
- Sanctification, by Philip Hughes