Depravity of man

/dih-PRAV-ih-tee/

Summary

The doctrine that all humanity is corrupted by sin, affecting every aspect of human nature, and rendering all unable to save themselves.

☩Universal Sinfulness

Scripture declares that 'all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.' There is none righteous, no not one. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. From Adam's fall, sin has affected every human being.

Key verses:Romans 3:23Romans 3:10-12Jeremiah 17:9Psalm 14:1-3

☩Total Effect

Sin affects the whole person—mind, will, emotions, and body. The natural man cannot understand spiritual things. Apart from divine grace, humans are dead in trespasses and sins, walking according to the course of this world. We were by nature children of wrath.

Key verses:1 Corinthians 2:14Ephesians 2:1-3Romans 8:7-8Genesis 6:5

☩Need for Grace

Because of this condition, salvation must come entirely from God. No one can come to Christ unless the Father draws him. We are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves—it is the gift of God. By grace we are saved.

Key verses:John 6:44Ephesians 2:8-9Titus 3:5Romans 9:16

Related Verses102 mentions

Romans· 17 verses

2:1 3:9 3:23 5:6 5:12

Job· 9 verses

4:17 9:2 9:3 9:20 9:29

Psalms· 8 verses

5:9 14:1 51:5 53:1 58:1

Isaiah· 7 verses

1:5 1:6 43:8 48:8 51:1

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Depravity," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.James Orr (ed.), "Depravity," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).