Question 18: Human Depravity

Read: Ephesians 4:17-24
Listen: Ephesians 4 

Question: What does it mean that humans are depraved?

Answer: Human depravity means that, without Christ, we are incapable of pleasing God and are affected by sin in every aspect of our being.

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Ephesians 4:18

Paul describes sin’s devastating effects. Those without Christ have darkened understanding and hardened hearts, separated from God’s life. In several passages Paul’s teaching on human depravity reveals sin’s effect on humanity—minds are blinded (2 Corinthians 4:4), emotions are defiled (Romans 1:21) and wills are enslaved to sin (Romans 6:20). Without divine intervention, people are incapable of pleasing God. The consequence is spiritual death—estrangement from God in this life and the next. The estrangement isn’t merely due to bad behavior but a fundamental brokenness, leaving humanity helpless to restore the relationship with the Creator.

Understanding our inability to save ourselves magnifies God’s grace. We don’t just need improvement—we need resurrection. God provides this through Jesus, reconciling believers to himself and moving them from estrangement to peace. Ultimately, he promises to eliminate sin completely after Christ’s return. Recognizing our depravity keeps us humble, grateful and dependent on God’s Spirit. It reminds us that any goodness in us comes not from our merit but from God’s transforming grace that enables us to reflect his character.

TODAY: Reflect on your inability to save yourself and dependence on God’s grace. Thank him for providing rescue through Christ. Confess areas of pride, acknowledging your need for his Spirit’s power. Ask God to help you live in grateful dependence on him today.