Depravity speaks to the fallen nature of humanity and our need for a Savior. The Bible addresses the reality of sin but also points to the hope we have in Jesus. Today, we’ll learn what Scripture says about human depravity and God’s redeeming love.
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What Does The Bible Say About Depravity
Romans 3:10-12
“As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.’
This verse highlights the reality of human depravity. It emphasizes that no one is exempt from the effects of sin and that all individuals have fallen short of God’s righteousness. It serves as a reminder of our need for God’s grace and salvation.
Despite our capabilities and achievements, this verse reminds us that without God’s intervention, we are incapable of righteousness on our own. It emphasizes the universality of sin and our inherent inability to seek after God without His prompting and transformation in our lives.
Genesis 6:5
“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”
This verse describes the extent of depravity that existed before the flood during the time of Noah. It depicts a society utterly corrupted by sin, where evil had consumed the thoughts and inclinations of every individual. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unrestrained wickedness and the need for righteousness.
The verse highlights the utter pervasiveness and total depravity of humanity apart from God’s intervention. It emphasizes the destructive power of sin when given free rein and the importance of repentance and turning to God for transformation and redemption.
Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
This verse speaks to the fallen nature of the human heart. It reveals the inherent deceitfulness of our hearts, capable of leading us astray and causing us to justify our sinful actions. It serves as a cautionary reminder of our need for God’s discernment and transformation.
The verse emphasizes the depth of our depravity, highlighting that our hearts cannot be cured on our own. It underscores our dependence on God’s grace to purify and align our hearts with His truth. It calls us to surrender our hearts to the Lord and trust Him for true transformation.
Ephesians 2:1-3
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”
This passage describes the state of spiritual death in which humanity resides apart from Christ. It emphasizes that we were once under the influence of the enemy and indulged in sinful desires. It serves as a reminder of God’s mercy and grace in rescuing us from our depravity.
The verses highlight the universality of our fallen state, emphasizing that we were all deserving of God’s wrath. They point to the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice, giving us new life and liberating us from the bondage of sin. It reminds us of the urgency to share the message of salvation with others who are still trapped in their depravity.
Mark 7:20-23
“What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
This passage highlights the source of evil, which originates from within the human heart. It emphasizes that our actions and behaviors are a reflection of our inward state. It serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding our hearts and seeking transformation through Christ.
The verses highlight the wide array of sins that stem from the human heart. They underscore the need for inner cleansing and surrendering our hearts to God’s transformative work. They remind us that true change begins from within and that external appearances or religious acts alone cannot purify us.
Isaiah 64:6
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away.”
This verse acknowledges the feebleness of human efforts to attain righteousness. It emphasizes that even our best attempts at righteous acts fall short of God’s perfect standards. It serves as a reminder of our desperate need for God’s forgiveness and salvation.
The verse humbles us by revealing that our most righteous acts, when compared to the holiness of God, are like filthy rags. It exposes the futility of self-righteousness and calls us to rely completely on God’s grace and mercy. It prompts us to recognize our need for a Savior and to seek His righteousness above our own.
Proverbs 28:26
“Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”
This verse contrasts the folly of self-reliance with the wisdom of trusting in God. It emphasizes that those who trust in their own abilities and understanding are ultimately deceived. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and dependence on God’s guidance.
The verse highlights the inherent inadequacy of relying solely on ourselves and encourages us to seek wisdom from above. It reminds us that true safety and security are found in trusting in God’s wisdom, not in our own limited understanding. It calls us to surrender our self-reliance and walk in the wisdom that comes from a relationship with the Lord.
Psalm 14:1
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.”
This verse condemns the folly of denying the existence of God. It describes the corruptness of those who reject God and live according to their own desires. It serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of godless living.
The verse underscores the connection between rejecting God and engaging in wicked deeds. It highlights the inherent moral compass that comes from acknowledging and following God. It calls us to recognize our need for God’s guidance and the true source of goodness and righteousness.
Psalm 53:3
“Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
This verse echoes the sentiment found in Romans 3:10-12, emphasizing the universal corruption and depravity of humanity. It reinforces the idea that without God’s intervention, no one can be considered truly righteous. It serves as a reminder of the desperate need for God’s saving grace.
The verse captures the universality of sin and the common need for redemption. It calls us to recognize the fallen state of humanity apart from Christ and to appreciate the magnitude of God’s mercy and salvation. It prompts us to live in humility, relying on God’s righteousness rather than our own.
Psalm 143:2
“Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.”
This verse acknowledges the inability of humanity to stand before God’s perfect judgment in our own righteousness. It pleads for God’s mercy and acknowledges the need for His forgiveness. It serves as a reminder of our utter dependence on God’s grace.
The verse highlights the righteousness of God in contrast to the fallen nature of humanity. It emphasizes that none of us can claim personal righteousness apart from the help of God. It humbles us and points us to the gift of salvation through Christ, who alone makes us righteous before God.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This passage enumerates a list of sinful behaviors that are characteristic of the fleshly, depraved nature of humanity. It warns of the consequences that accompany those who persist in living according to the desires of the flesh. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual transformation.
The verses highlight the power and allure of sinful inclinations and behaviors. They bring to light the destructive consequences of indulging in the works of the flesh. They call us to examine our lives and to pursue the fruit of the Spirit, which is in direct contrast to the works of the flesh. They remind us of the importance of surrendering to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:3
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”
This verse describes the fallen state in which humanity once existed. It highlights our foolishness, disobedience, and enslavement to sinful passions and pleasures. It emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. It serves as a reminder of the radical change that occurs when we surrender to Christ.
The verse emphasizes that we were all once prisoners to our sinful nature. It reminds us of the depths from which God has rescued us through His mercy and love. It calls us to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others, recognizing that apart from Christ, we are no better off than they are.
John 8:34
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”
This verse speaks to the bondage that sin places on humanity. It emphasizes that sin enslaves us, keeping us trapped in its destructive cycle. It serves as a reminder of our need for liberation and redemption through Christ.
The verse highlights the powerlessness of humanity on its own to break free from the clutches of sin. It points to Jesus as the only source of freedom from its grip. It prompts us to acknowledge our sinful nature and to surrender to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit to break the chains of sin in our lives.
Jeremiah 17:10
“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
This verse reveals God’s omniscience and His thorough knowledge of our hearts and minds. It assures us that God evaluates our conduct and will justly reward us accordingly. It serves as a reminder of our accountability before God for our actions and the need for repentance and righteous living.
The verse underscores the impossibility of hiding our true selves from God. It calls us to live with integrity and to examine our hearts and minds in light of God’s righteous standards. It instills a healthy fear of God and a desire to live in a manner that pleases Him.
Romans 7:18-19
“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”
This passage describes the internal struggle between the desire to do good and the inability to carry it out due to our sinful nature. It highlights the ongoing battle against the forces of evil within us. It serves as a reminder of the need for constant dependence on God’s strength and guidance.
The verses reflect the frustration and reality of the human struggle against sin. They point to the limitations of our own willpower and highlight our need for the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. They encourage us to rely on God’s grace and strive for righteousness even in the face of our human weaknesses.
Proverbs 20:9
“Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’?”
This verse challenges the notion of human perfection and purity apart from God. It highlights the impossibility of claiming personal righteousness. It serves as a reminder of our continual need for God’s forgiveness and cleansing.
The verse underscores the humility and honesty required to acknowledge our sinfulness before God. It prompts us to approach Him with a contrite heart and a repentant spirit, recognizing that true purity and cleansing are found in Christ alone. It calls us to abandon self-righteousness and to trust in God’s grace for forgiveness.
Matthew 15:19-20
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”
This passage emphasizes the connection between the condition of the heart and one’s actions. It reveals the source of evil thoughts and sinful behaviors—our fallen hearts. It serves as a reminder that authenticity and transformation must begin from within.
The verses challenge external religiosity and rituals as means of attaining righteousness. They emphasize the importance of cultivating a pure heart that aligns with God’s truth. They call us to examine our inner motivations and desires, recognizing that true righteousness flows from a heart transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 1:8-10
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”
This passage promotes honesty and self-awareness regarding our sinful nature. It emphasizes the need for confession, repentance, and the assurance of God’s forgiveness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and relational alignment with God.
The verses confront the tendency to deny or downplay our sinfulness. They encourage us to come before God with complete honesty, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and purification. They reassure us of God’s faithfulness to forgive and cleanse us when we humbly confess our sins. They call us to live in harmony with God’s truth.
Psalm 51:5
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”
This verse speaks to the inherent sinfulness with which every individual is born. It acknowledges that our sinful nature existed from the moment of conception. It serves as a reminder of the need for a Savior and the transformative work of God’s grace.
The verse highlights the universality of sin, extending beyond personal choices to include an inherent fallen state. It emphasizes our complete reliance on God’s redemption and the necessity of being born again through the Holy Spirit. It calls us to recognize our need for constant surrender, allowing God to shape and transform our lives.
1 Corinthians 2:14
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
This verse addresses the spiritual condition of those who are not indwelt by the Holy Spirit. It highlights the inability to comprehend and accept spiritual truths without the illumination of the Spirit. It serves as a reminder of our need for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to understand and embrace God’s wisdom.
The verse challenges our intellectual and reasoning capabilities when it comes to grasping spiritual truths. It emphasizes the necessity of surrendering our pride and worldly wisdom, recognizing that true understanding comes through the work of the Spirit. It calls us to rely on the Spirit’s guidance and discernment, allowing Him to transform our minds and hearts.
Romans 6:20-23
“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This passage contrasts the fruitlessness and destructive nature of living in sin with the liberation and benefits of surrendering to God. It emphasizes the consequences of our choices and the ultimate gift of eternal life through Christ. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living in alignment with God’s truth.
The verses highlight the reality that our former way of life, while enticing, only leads to death. They contrast it with the benefits of a life surrendered to God, which leads to holiness and eternal life. They call us to embrace the transformative power of God’s grace and to live according to His principles rather than being enslaved by sin.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
“Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”
This verse acknowledges the universal fallibility of humanity. It emphasizes that no one on earth can claim personal righteousness or perfection. It serves as a reminder of the need for God’s grace and forgiveness in our lives.
The verse humbles us and challenges any self-righteousness we may entertain. It encourages us to view others with grace since we too fall short. It reminds us of our continual need for God’s mercy and transformation as we navigate the complexities of life.