37 Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.”
38 And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him.
39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.”
40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?”
41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.” John 9:35-41.
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“Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP” admits: “We do not see. We do not understand. We do not seek God. We are not good. In fact, we are dead in our sins.”
“Total Depravity” is important, because it is the truth of Scripture.
“10 as it is written,
“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” Romans 3:10-13.
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1.
“Total Depravity” is important, because it is evidence of humility which leads to grace.
James 4:6
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ” GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
And, “Total Depravity” is important, because today’s Scripture states: “but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”
“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 26:12.
But, there is hope for those who admit that they are blind (“total depravity”)!
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21.
This message (and this hope) is “Unconditional Election”, “Limited Atonement”, “Irresistible Grace”, and “Perseverance of the Saints a/k/a Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 