Depravity

<<wickedness>>

Because of the fall, every part of our being – mind, will, emotions and body is corrupted by sin including who we are and what we do. The all-encompassing depravity of man is recorded in the Bible, stating "No one is without sin" (1 Kgs 8:46; Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:10). Even from the time of our conception we were sinners (Ps 51:5, 58:3), 'dead' in transgression and sin (Eph 2:1-5), with a deceitful heart (Jer 17:9), being held captive by a love for sin there is no desire to seek God or understand His ways (Jn 8:34; Rom 3:11; 1 Cor 1:18, 2:14).

Humanity was not designed to live without connection to their creator, for without Christ and His transforming love, humanity becomes a tool of Satan capable of wreaking havoc, for “Every inclination of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil all the time” (Gen 6:5). Values are altered with “Evil being called good and good evil” (Isa 5:20). Satan has deceived the unsaved into believing they don’t need God and are not answerable to Him, even though their consciences indicate otherwise. Through committing increasingly vile sins “God gave them over to a depraved mind…They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity…they invent ways of doing evil” (Rom 1:18-32). The downward progression into godlessness begins when there is a rejection of God with the blatant disobedience and rebellion against His way typified by the lifestyle of many today.

modern society accepts many of these activities and traits as normal they are the result of people without Christ at the centre of their lives, their living controlled by their carnal instincts (1 Jn 2:16). Paul said in the last days, people would exhibit all manner of unwholesome qualities (2 Tim 3:1-5).

Because of a lack self-discipline and standards, such vices bring people into increasing bondage to sin and demonic forces that will take them to hell because they have catered to the flesh and not turned to Christ who commands all people to repent (Act 17:30).

God desires we live in relationship to Him through Jesus, with His Spirit who resides in each believer being the internal controller of our spirit. This God conscious part of us directs our soul (mind, will and emotions) with our body in submission. Sin and deception reverts this order, much to man’s shame and disadvantage with each successive generation departing further from the truth (Jdg 2:10; Ezek 16:47). Values only deteriorate unless there is a higher standard to achieve.

are capable of being, with many doing what is good from the human perspective this is vastly different to God's holy standard or done for His glory (Isa 64:6; 1 Cor 10:31). It is only the blood of Jesus which can make a sinner clean. Progressing on from the initial acknowledging of sin and accepting of Christ as Saviour there is the consistent requirement to "put off of the old nature which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires...and put on the new nature, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph 4:22,24; Col 3:5-10).

Regardless of how far individuals have departed from His ways, the Holy Spirit can reach those living lives of such corruption and decadence – they can be transformed by a salvation experience and subsequent walk with God (1 Cor 6:11). Paul changed from being a persecutor of Christians to probably Christianity’s greatest ambassador. He said, “Jesus came to save sinners of whom I was the chief” (1 Tim 1:15). Jesus has the power to deliver people from the depths of depravity and sin (Mk 5:1-20). What have been the changes in my life since coming to salvation? Jesus said, the fruit of changed character is a good indicator (Mt 7:16,20; Gal 5:22,23).

See also: bondage, carnal, disobedience, evil spirits, put off/put on, salvation, self-control, self-discipline, sin/sinner, sexual sins, standards.