Is Total Depravity True for Christians?

Heath Lambert explores a profound theological question: Does the doctrine of total depravity still apply to believers after salvation?

Discover what Scripture teaches about our sinful nature before Christ and the transformative power of regeneration.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Introduction and today's theological question

0:48 What is total depravity? Defining the doctrine

2:18 Biblical foundation: Romans 8:7-8 and our natural state

3:24 Total depravity, salvation, and the Christian life

5:13 The answer: 2 Corinthians 5:17 and new creation theology

KEY POINTS:

- Total depravity means sin affects every aspect of our being, not that we're as evil as possible

- In our natural state, we cannot please God or respond to Him properly (Romans 8:7-8)

- This doctrine explains why we need salvation through Jesus Christ

- Christians are no longer "totally depraved" after salvation

- While believers still struggle with sin, they are fundamentally changed (2 Corinthians 5:17)

- Christians are no longer bound to sin but are being progressively sanctified

- The theological distinction between pre-salvation nature and post-salvation nature is crucial

Submit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.com

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

Romans 8:7-8 - "The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, indeed it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

2 Corinthians 5:17 - "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."