Divine Lexicon

Term

total inability

Also known as Total Depravity

The state of being totally lacking in spiritual good and unable to do anything that truly pleases God or effects salvation.

Filed underAnthropology & HamartiologySoteriology

Definition

Man's total lack of spiritual good and inability to do good before God, often referred to as 'total depravity.' Sinners cannot save themselves or do anything that truly pleases God.

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Synonym of

Sources

  1. 1.Wayne A. Grudem Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020). 24D.2Original citation: Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020, 24D.2.

Last revised August 14, 2026