The fact all men are sinners is asserted throughout the scriptures (Gen 6:5, Gen 8:21, Job 25:4-6, Ec 7:20, Is 64:6, Mt 19:17, Rom 3:10-23). The scriptures also teach all men must be spiritually quickened before entering heaven (Jn 3:3-5). This is because all men are born with a corrupted nature which is unsuitable for heavenly existence (Ps 51:5, Ps 58:3, Job 14:4, Job 15:14-16). Furthermore, all men fall under the general condemnation of Adam's transgression (Rom 5:12-14, 1Cor 15:21), and this is evidenced by the fact all men die.
The scriptures frequently describe natural man as being dead in trespasses and sins (Jn 5:25, Eph 2:1, Col 2:13). Being in a state of spiritual death, natural man is incapable of spiritual understanding, appreciation, and action (1Cor 2:14, Rom 8:5-10). A natural man therefore has neither the ability nor the desire to perform any spiritual activity (e.g. belief, baptism, etc.) which might give him eternal life (Jn 6:44-65, Jn 8:43-47, Jn 10:26, 1Cor 1:18, 2Thes 3:1-2, Rom 15:30-31).
Since spiritual activity derives from spiritual life, such activity can never be the cause of spiritual life. Spiritual life, like natural life, comes only from the quickening power of God (Jn 5:25-29, Eph 1:19-20, Eph 2:1, Col 2:13). Spiritual activity then manifests the life God has already given.
Total depravity does not imply natural man is without freedom of will. He has freedom to do both good and evil. However, the corrupted nature of man will cause him to choose evil as predictably as the righteous nature of God will cause Him to choose good. Accordingly, the scriptures present man's problem as being one of nature - not one of will (Mt 12:33-35, Rom 8:5-10, 1Cor 2:14-16, Eph 2:1-3).
Man's corrupted nature is itself the product of sin, deriving originally from the sin of Adam, and furthered by personal sins (Jn 8:34, Rom 6:15-18, 2Pet 2:19-22). Alcoholism both causes and is caused by drinking. Similarly, all sins tend to self-perpetuate through corruption of nature.
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