Sin and Total Depravity

Read the text

Ephesians 2:1–10

Read the primary passage aloud twice. On the first reading, listen for the burden of the text. On the second, mark repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, causes, and conclusions.

• Genesis 6:5
• Jeremiah 17:9
• Romans 3:9–20

Language desk

Words that clarify—not words that perform.

Confirm each gloss by its use in this context. A lexicon offers possibilities; the sentence, paragraph, author, and canon determine what a word is doing here.

Form the doctrine

The theological claim

Sin brings guilt, corruption, bondage, and death; salvation must begin with sovereign grace.

Defense drill

Say it under pressure.

Distinguish moral inability from coercion: sinners act willingly according to fallen desires.

• State the opposing claim in a form its adherent could recognize.
• Open the controlling passage and establish the immediate context.
• Make one clear argument before adding supporting texts.
• Ask a diagnostic question, listen to the answer, and return to Christ and the gospel.

Wednesday assignment

Carry the truth into the week.

Build a biblical diagnosis of sin using guilt, power, pollution, and penalty.