Incapable of Any Good; Inclined to All Evil
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 7/29/2018 AM |
Text: | Jeremiah 17; Lord's Day 3 |
Psalters: | 411, 235, 23, 294 |
- The meaning.
- “Depravity” (q.7) is our old man of sin, our inner wickedness, corruption within, the innate evil of fallen man.
- It refers to whatever is not up to the standard of God’s holiness, according to God’s judgment (not man’s).
- Total depravity means that man is spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1) – not seriously sick.
- Biblical proof.
- Death was promised upon disobedience (Gen. 2:17) – so now all are spiritually dead (Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3; Titus 3:3).
- The reign of sin is universal: all men are under its power (Rom. 3:9-12; Ps. 130:3; 143:2; Eccl. 7:20).
- “Depravity” (q.7) is our old man of sin, our inner wickedness, corruption within, the innate evil of fallen man.
- What is the explanation for this depravity in man?
- The Pelagian, semi-Pelagian, and Arminian positions limit the depravity of man.
- The Reformed/Biblical view is found in the adjective “total.” It means absolute.
- There is no element of goodness whatsoever in fallen man.
- At any moment every human is sinning - they are as bad as they could be at that moment.
- Depravity does vary in degree and manner.
- The significance. Why is it important to maintain and emphasize the truth of total depravity, man’s horrible sinfulness?
- This truth affects other truths, especially irresistible grace.
- The measure of man’s depravity determines how much man contributes to his salvation.
- God must begin (and end) the work of salvation; He must open man’s heart so the sinner can believe (Acts 16:14).
- God’s first work is regeneration, the radical change from death to life, being born again from above.
- Belief in this truth means we are always ready to confess sin and admit weakness, and that we never have reason to boast.