Are Sinners Really That Bad? Understanding Total Depravity and Its Importance
According to John MacArthur, the doctrine of absolute inability, while frequently challenged, stands as “the most Christian”. This belief, supported by numerous scriptural accounts, asserts that humans are inherently unable to respond to God or earn salvation on their own. Accepting this truth leads to a deeper appreciation for the beauty and transformative power of God’s grace in salvation.
The following is a review of Pastor John MacArthur address given at Together for the Gospel (T4G)
Together for the Gospel is a popular theological conference for Reformed pastors and leaders, John MacArthur has spoken at several T4G conferences.
“I’m a good person, compared with…”
Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m a good person,” or “I’m not that bad”? It’s a common sentiment, and one that often clashes with a core doctrine of Christianity: total depravity. This isn’t about calling everyone evil, but rather understanding the profound impact of sin on humanity and its implications for salvation. Let’s see what Pastor John MacArthur has to say on this often-misunderstood concept and explore why it’s so crucial to grasping the true Gospel.
Before you begin reading, please avoid dismissing Pastor John’s perspective based on preconceived notions. To truly understand, it’s essential to go to the source, just as we should with Scripture. We should take the time to personally examine what others say for ourselves, rather than relying on hearsay, which is often akin to gossip.
What is Total Depravity? Unwilling and Unable
The term “total depravity” can be misleading. It doesn’t mean that every person is as evil as they possibly could be. Instead, it signifies that sin has affected every aspect of our being – our minds, hearts, wills, and actions. As the original content highlights, it means we are unwilling and unable to come to God on our own.
- Unwilling: Our natural inclination is to reject God and His ways. We love our sin and prefer darkness to light.
- Unable: We are spiritually dead, blind, and enslaved to sin. We lack the capacity to please God or contribute to our salvation.
This doctrine emphasizes that Sinners are completely helpless to redeem themselves.
It keeps me warm, if feeds me – therefore it will protect me
Why is This Doctrine So Controversial?
The idea that humans are inherently incapable of saving themselves is often met with resistance. Why? Because it clashes with our pride. We want to believe we have some inherent goodness, some ability to earn God’s favor.
- It contradicts the world’s religions: Most religions operate on a works-based system, where people believe they can earn salvation through good deeds.
- It challenges our self-perception: We don’t want to admit that we are as flawed and helpless as the Bible describes.
- It seems unfair: The idea that we are born into a state of sin and unable to escape it on our own can feel unjust.
Biblical Support for Total Depravity
Despite its unpopularity, the doctrine of total depravity is firmly rooted in Scripture. Consider these key passages:
- John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” This verse clearly states that God must initiate salvation.
- Ephesians 2:1-3: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked…and were by nature children of wrath.” This passage describes our natural state as one of spiritual death and condemnation.
- Romans 8:7-8: “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” This highlights our inability to please God in our natural state.
- 1 Corinthians 2:14: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
These verses, and many others, paint a consistent picture of humanity’s fallen state and our utter dependence on God’s grace.
A Historical Perspective: Pelagianism and Semi-Pelagianism
The doctrine of total depravity has been debated throughout church history. Two opposing views, Pelagianism and Semi-Pelagianism, have emerged.
- Pelagianism: Denies that Adam’s sin affected human nature. It claims that everyone possesses perfect freedom of will and can choose to obey God on their own.
- Semi-Pelagianism: Argues that Adam’s sin weakened humanity, but we still retain enough free will to initiate faith in God. God then responds with grace.
Both of these views were condemned as heresy by the early church. The historical content emphasizes that the doctrine of depravity was upheld by Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and other reformers.
Implications for Evangelism and Ministry
Understanding total depravity has profound implications for how we approach evangelism and ministry.
- It humbles us: We recognize that we cannot manipulate people into salvation. It is solely God’s work.
- It emphasizes the need for God’s grace: We understand that people need a supernatural intervention to be saved.
- It shapes our message: We don’t offer Jesus as a means to fulfill selfish desires. Instead, we call people to repentance, faith, and a complete surrender to God.
- It promotes God-glorifying ministry: We give God all the credit for salvation, leaving no room for human pride.
The original content warns against manipulative church growth strategies that appeal to people’s desires rather than confronting their sin. It stresses the importance of preaching the hard truth of the Gospel, even if it’s unpopular.
Conclusion: A Foundation for Understanding Salvation
The doctrine of total depravity is not a pleasant one, but it is essential for understanding the true nature of salvation. It reminds us that we are utterly dependent on God’s grace and that salvation is entirely His work. By embracing this truth, we can approach evangelism with humility, preach the Gospel with clarity, and give God all the glory for the transformation of human hearts.
Are you ready to examine your own heart and acknowledge your need for God’s grace? Take some time to reflect on these truths and ask God to reveal Himself to you.
What is the doctrine of total depravity?
[00:10] The doctrine of total depravity asserts that humans are completely incapable of redeeming themselves or making any contribution towards their salvation due to their fallen nature. This concept states that sin has affected every part of a person’s being—mind, heart, actions—and as a result, humans are utterly unable to do anything that can please God or achieve salvation without divine intervention.
Why are sinners described as unwilling and unable?
[03:00] Sinners are described as both unwilling and unable because they are in a state of spiritual death, which makes them hostile to God. According to scripture, “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” [John 6:44], indicating that without God’s initiative, individuals cannot will themselves to seek Him. This unwillingness stems from a deeply rooted pride and self-deception about one’s spiritual condition.
How has the concept of total depravity evolved historically?
[10:00] Historically, the concept of total depravity has deep roots in Christian orthodoxy, with significant debates dating back to the Pelagian controversy in the fifth century. Pelagius and his followers claimed that individuals had the capacity to choose good without divine help, which was opposed by Augustine, who argued for the necessity of God’s grace for salvation. Today, many modern movements have minimized this doctrine, promoting a view of human free will that contradicts its biblical foundation.
How do false religions relate to total depravity?
[04:30] False religions generally promote the idea of works righteousness, suggesting that humans can do enough good to earn favor with God or achieve salvation. This contradicts the doctrine of total depravity, which states that no individual has any inherent goodness that can contribute towards their salvation. The prevalent belief in human self-sufficiency in religious contexts is seen as a direct challenge to the fundamental Christian doctrine that affirms human inability.
What are the implications of rejecting total depravity?
[39:00] Rejecting the doctrine of total depravity leads to grave implications for evangelism and Christianity at large. It results in superficial preaching that appeals to human desires instead of confronting the sinner’s true condition. This shift can lead churches to adopt methods based on cultural trends rather than biblical truth, ultimately diluting the gospel’s message. Sound doctrine must emphasize the sinner’s complete dependence on God’s grace for salvation to effect genuine transformation.