The Total Depravity of Mankind...Is a blessing?


 Mankind is completely in a state of total depravity by itself. What does this mean?

Total depravity is a recognition that no matter what we do, who we are, or how well we live our life, we are not able to be 'good enough' (or really holy enough) to be with God when we die. It is a a stark and bleak concept, two words that fully demonstrate our dependency on Christs work. 

In writing this blog, I have straddled two worlds of Christianity - Catholicism and the Protestant churches. Many people in both groups love God, and sincerely want to be with Him when they die, and they also want to include God in their daily life. 

When we begin to look closely at the differences though...doubts can arise. Both groups have a tendency to (in a good spirit) look at the other and say 'Why!?!'. The focus on this is a dangerous slope, and something to be careful of - We can begin to look at the Church itself for salvation, and not to Christ, which is a problem to say the least. Examining this problem can lead to a spiritual trap. 

Total depravity comes in to play here as a truth. Our salvation is not through the Church, but through the work of God Himself, sending Christ to come and die willingly to accept the punishment for our sin. That whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life (1). Period.  

This is the blessing of understanding total depravity - it is the full recognition that we are completely unable and undeserving of being with God. We must recognize that we are fully and completely dependent on Christ for life itself, and nothing we do can 'earn' a way to heaven.

I cannot overemphasize how important it is to examine our beliefs and make sure that they are correct though. The Bereans in Acts 17:11(2) were commended for this when Paul presented them the Gospel message. The Bereans went through the scriptures and verified the Good News that they received from Paul; and likewise we should examine and vet our beliefs to ensure that they are true and accurate. 

To love Christ is to do what He says (John 14:23(3)). What does He command then? Love God, Love others, follow His teachings and tell others the Gospel. The basis for everything is love and avoiding sin. And this is why it is so incredibly important to look at our beliefs with a clear mind and ask 'Is this true?', because we could actually be mislead. Spiritual deception is real, and people do fall for it - The devil is willing and able to twist and convolute scripture for his own perverse gain - which is to wreck your soul and lead you away from God. 

On a lighter note, I wish all who are reading this a blessed and happy 2023! The posts from The Curious Christian may be at a slower pace, but they will still be written. Stay safe, and Happy belated New Year!

Interested in Christianity? The Gospel in a Nutshell can be a great place to start! And Church of course :)


Cited Verses (ESV)

(1) John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

(2) Acts 17:11 

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

(3) John 14:23

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

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