Reformed Pt.

Understanding the Effect of Sin

(Inherited Corruption & Total Inability )

Intro to Sin:
The Bible is nearly as full of sin as it is of grace. Scripture records the sordid details of everything from petty embezzlement (Acts
5:1–11) to child sacrifice (Jer 7:31), from verbal abuse (2 Sam 16:5–14) to homicidal rape (Judg 19). The staggering variety of sin in
the Bible reflects the totality of human depravity, confirming the verdict that “if any one of you is without sin, let him be the first
to throw a stone” (Jn 8:7).

Sin Defined: T.U.L.I.P

J.I. Packer describes the reach and depth of humanity’s sinful condition as “a universal Total Depravity ( TO NI G H T )
deformity of human nature, found at every point in every person… This moral deformity is Unconditional Election
dynamic: sin stands revealed as an energy of irrational, negative, and rebellious reaction to Limited Atonement
God’s call and command, a spirit of fighting God in order to play God.” He goes on to Irresistible Grace
define sin as a “lack of conformity to the law of God in act, habit, attitude, outlook, Perseverance of the Saints
disposition, motivation, and mode of existence.” But sin is not just an act which violates
God’s holy commands; it is also the source of all human suffering. People are both the victims of sin and perpetuators of sin.
"Every sin is the distortion of an energy breathed into us..." ~ C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm

More Definitions:
 Sin – Any failure to autonomously refuse to submit (conform) to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.
 Inherited Corruption – The sinful nature, or the tendency to sin, which all people inherit because of Adam’s sin. This idea
entails that (1) in our natures we totally lack spiritual good before God; and (2) in our actions we are totally unable to do
spiritual good before God.
 Total Inability – Man’s total lack of spiritual good and inability to do good before God (often referred to as “total depravity”)

Every man is born spiritually dead in his sins:

Gen. 6:5 (before the flood); 8:21 (after the flood) Romans 3:9-17
Ps. 51:5; 58:3 Ephesians 2:1-3
1 Kings 8:46 Colossians 2:13

Man’s will is not totally free; he is a slave of sin:

John 8:34 Titus 3:3

Because of sin, man’s nature is evil (good distorted) and he is unable to change his nature:
Titus 1:15 John 3:18-20
Isaiah 64:6-7 Romans 7:18; 14:23
Job 14:4 Hebrews 11:6
Jeremiah 13:23 1 John 1:8-10
Matthew 7:16-18; 12:33-35

Because of sin, man is unable to exercise faith in God:

John 6:64-65 Romans 3:9-17; 8:7-8
1 Corinthians 2:14
8
If we claim to be without sin, we de ceive our selv es and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confe ss our sins, he
is faithful and just and will f orgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8 -9