Total Depravity is a bit of an archaic term, and isn’t the best term for the discussion. It’s a good term and a useful one but not the best one. Perhaps a better one is total inability or total corruption or maybe totally messed up.
I gave a brief definition in the intro:
all men are born with a sin nature, that is all men have a desire for sin
This is a bad definition especially if you are new to the concept.
The basic idea of total depravity is that the physical human father of humanity, Adam, sinned; and God being perfectly just, had to punish him for that sin–that punishment was death. That death occurred in two ways–physical and spiritual. Physically, Adam did not die immediately, but began to decay and brought future death. Spiritually, his sin brought immediate spiritual death. A division was driven between himself and God. He could not commune with God except through a mediator. Now just as physical death passed to all of Adam’s descendants so did spiritual death.
If you followed all of that:
Adam sinned
Adam died spiritually
Adam died physically
therefore, all of Adam’s children have died spiritually
all of Adam’s children have died physically or will physically die shortly.
This spiritual death has many facets and implications. Just like Adam’s spiritual death, his descendants’ spiritual death is immediate. We have it from birth. It is an inherited trait that all humans possess. So, I have defined total depravity as the trait of spiritual death that all humans possess.
This view is completely biblical. If you want to be completely convinced of this read Genesis 3 and 4. Then look at 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 and finally read through Romans 5:10-21. If you only have time to read one portion read Romans 5.
Well, I am out of time for tonight so it looks like Total Depravity will have to become a two part mini-series inside of the larger series. Next time, we will define spiritual death.
I disagree with your definition of Total Depravity. While in general correct, I believe it is limited to man’s inability to choose God without some form of revelation from the holy spirit (that revelation being either prevenient grace or irresistible grace but I am also sure that will be covered at a later time). Also your definition also seems to extend into a explination of original sin. Thus making what you have defined a combination of two separate, yet connectible, doctrines.
thus I think that you have over extended and misdefined your definition of total depravity
Did you read Romans 5?
2 brief things since I will cover most of this in part two:
Man’s inability to choose God is only an implication and result of total depravity, not the essence of it.
Total depravity and original sin can only be separated logically as concepts, but cannot be separated in reality.
I did indeed read Romans 5 (actually.. i skimmed over it… which lead to an error in judgment)
I must indeed revise my previous statement. Man’s total depravity is indeed a result of original sin and in that manner the two doctrines cannot be separated. I must revise that previous statement to “Christ’s death atoned for original sin, but the effects of original sin continue to linger.” (I point to verse 13 for this)
However, I must also say that I think you make too little distinction between the two doctrines. They are not the same, if anything total depravity would be a part of original sin, but not the other way around as you seem to have made it.
…just a little elaboration…
hey do you still check this blog? I’m interested in talking.