Ever since I've been on the BB this question has come up many times and their have been many discussion on it... I know as other brethren on here know that it is the first point in the Calvinist TULIP doctrine... Very few have looked at it with a clear head and instead of understanding it, try to say what it doesn't mean... That has been my experience since I've been here... The following article states what it is and what it isn't and I personally feel the author has examined this doctrine with a discerning eye... I believe it is a biblical doctrine not Calvinistic and taught in scripture... Weather you believe it or not is no consequence to me and doesn't change my view of this doctrine one iota... Brother Glen
Ryrie offers this definition of depravity.
A proper definition of total depravity should not focus primarily on the question of sinfulness vs. goodness or ability vs. inability, but on fallen man’s relation to a holy God. Because of the effects of the fall, that original relationship of fellowship with God was broken and man’s entire nature was polluted. As a result no one can do anything, even good things, that can gain soteriological merit in God’s sight. Therefore, we may concisely define total depravity as the unmeritoriousness of man before God because of the corruption of original sin.
The concept of total depravity does not mean (1) that depraved people cannot or do not perform actions that are good in either man’s or God’s sight. But no such action can gain favor with God for salvation. Neither does it mean (2) that fallen man has no conscience which judges between good and evil for him. But that conscience has been affected by the fall so that it cannot be a safe and reliable guide. Neither does it mean (3) that people indulge in every form of sin or in any sin to the greatest extent possible.
Positively total depravity means that the corruption has extended to all aspects of man’s nature, to his entire being; and total depravity means that because of that corruption there is nothing man can do to merit saving favor with God.[1]
[1] Elwell, Walter A, Editor, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Books, 1995) Article, “Total Depravity,” by C. C. Ryrie, 312-313.
Ryrie offers this definition of depravity.
A proper definition of total depravity should not focus primarily on the question of sinfulness vs. goodness or ability vs. inability, but on fallen man’s relation to a holy God. Because of the effects of the fall, that original relationship of fellowship with God was broken and man’s entire nature was polluted. As a result no one can do anything, even good things, that can gain soteriological merit in God’s sight. Therefore, we may concisely define total depravity as the unmeritoriousness of man before God because of the corruption of original sin.
The concept of total depravity does not mean (1) that depraved people cannot or do not perform actions that are good in either man’s or God’s sight. But no such action can gain favor with God for salvation. Neither does it mean (2) that fallen man has no conscience which judges between good and evil for him. But that conscience has been affected by the fall so that it cannot be a safe and reliable guide. Neither does it mean (3) that people indulge in every form of sin or in any sin to the greatest extent possible.
Positively total depravity means that the corruption has extended to all aspects of man’s nature, to his entire being; and total depravity means that because of that corruption there is nothing man can do to merit saving favor with God.[1]
[1] Elwell, Walter A, Editor, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Books, 1995) Article, “Total Depravity,” by C. C. Ryrie, 312-313.
