Equipping University

The Calvinistic understanding of man's spiritual state is often caricatured as the destruction of the image of God in man. That is not accurate. The Bible plainly says that man is dead in his sin yet he is still very active in his willful rebellion against the holiness of God. However, many still insist on saying that man is not dead but merely "sick" or "dying." In this chapter, we will look at common misconceptions, a proper understanding, and the certain implications of this biblical doctrine of total depravity. We will never fully value to amazing grace of God until we fully understand the depths to which we have fallen in sin.

The Calvinistic understanding of man's spiritual state is often caricatured as the destruction of the image of God in man. That is not accurate. The Bible plainly says that man is dead in his sin yet he is still very active in his willful rebellion against the holiness of God. However, many still insist on saying that man is not dead but merely "sick" or "dying." In this chapter, we will look at common misconceptions, a proper understanding, and the certain implications of this biblical doctrine of total depravity. We will never fully value to amazing grace of God until we fully understand the depths to which we have fallen in sin.

To fail to fully realize the extent and state of fallen man is to fall into a dangerously incorrect understanding of God, man, and God���s grace towards man. You cannot grasp a full understanding and appreciation for the amazing grace of God unless you first grasp a full understanding and appreciation of the true spiritual condition of man. You cannot grasp a full understanding and appreciation of your salvation unless you first grasp a full understanding and appreciation of what you have been saved from.