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The concept of human depravity, often referred to as humanity’s sinful condition, should not be controversial. To appreciate the grace, atonement, and salvation of Christ, one must first acknowledge that they need a Savior.
Human depravity refers to the state of humanity in which they are “dead in sin.” Historically, the church has taught that there is no way out of this condition except through regeneration or the born-again experience sanctioned by God. Rev. William Sykes taught, “Taken naturally, to be dead is to be in a state of corruption, and also to be incapable of performing any natural action.”[1]
An examination of the Scriptures supports the state of human depravity:
“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Ecclesiastes 8:11)”
“Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. (Psalms 52:3)”
“Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones. (Micah 3:2)”
“How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? (Job 15:16)”
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (Romans 3:10-11)”
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)”
A careful review of the concept of sin quickly defeats any rhetoric of humanity being born good or innocent. How often do we hear today, “I am a good person.” While mankind can certainly perform righteous acts, naturally, they are not “good.” Who defines good? The Bible rightly espouses that God does, and God alone is “good” (Mark 10:18).
To appreciate the fullness and beauty of the Gospel, you must realize you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Charles Spurgeon often shared that you must go to Mount Sinai with Moses to be convicted of the Ten Commandments and your sin and run to Mount Calvary to be saved by Jesus Christ.
All of humanity is aware of their sin (Romans 2:15). They are simply in a state of depravity unless awakened by the Spirit. While the unsaved possess a conscience and may feel remorse for their sin, they can do nothing to change their current state unless regenerated.
No created being has kept the Ten Commandments nor lived a righteous life. Understanding human depravity is required to embrace the Message of Christ. Sykes wrote, “Every person coming into this world is absolutely destitute of spiritual life. His every faculty is completely depraved, and employed in opposition to God and His Truth.”[2]
Thankfully, by God’s grace, there is a way out of the depravity, and it is through faith in Jesus Christ. Understanding and becoming familiar with human brokenness is of the utmost importance if believers are to properly share the Gospel and realize their need for a Savior. Christians need to focus on the love and saving power of the Lord. At the same time, there can be no proper message of the Lord’s saving grace unless individuals are aware of their need for a Savior.
Christians should not shy away from the conversation of human depravity but instead, allow the doctrine to lead to a heartfelt discussion of brokenness being solved only by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] William Sykes, The Salt of the Covenant, (Harrisonburg: Sprinkle Publications, 2016), 44.
[2] Ibid.
