Encounter Church
Wednesday Night 06.17.26

      • Matthew 5.17-18NKJV

      • Matthew 5.19NKJV

      • Matthew 5.20NKJV

      • John 7.21-22NKJV

      • John 7.23NKJV

      • Genesis 2.1-2NKJV

      • Genesis 1.27NKJV

      • Genesis 2.17NKJV

      • Genesis 3.3NKJV

      • Genesis 3.4NKJV

  • Main Theme

    Anthropos: Man
    Biblical anthropology answers the question:
    “What does it mean to be human?”
    Modern culture says:
    Identity is self-created
    Worth is performance-based
    Truth is internal
    Purpose is self-defined
    But Scripture teaches:
    Humanity was created by God
    Identity comes from Him
    Humans bear His image
    Sin distorted humanity
    Christ restores what was broken

    STUDY OUTLINE

    What Is Biblical Anthropology?
    Humanity Created in the Image of God (Imago Dei)
    Humanity’s Crisis of Identity
    How Sin Distorted Human Nature
    False Sources of Identity
    Christ as the Perfect Image of God
    Restoration of Identity in Christ
    Reflecting God’s Nature in Daily Life
    Community, Relationships, and Human Purpose
    Final Reflection & Prayer

    A. WHAT IS BIBLICAL ANTHROPOLOGY?

    Core Scriptures

    Genesis 1:26–27
    Psalm 8
    Acts 17:24–28

    Teaching

    Anthropology in systematic theology is the study of humanity:
    Our origin
    Nature
    purpose
    fall
    redemption
    Theology begins with God—not man. Humans only understand themselves correctly when viewed through God’s design.

    I. God Created everything Perfect

    God is perfect and made creation perfect. Therefore man was created in a perfects state. Matthew 5:48
    Matthew 5:48 NKJV
    48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
    Deuteronomy 32:3–4 NKJV
    3 For I proclaim the name of the Lord: Ascribe greatness to our God. 4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.
    There was no evil in man and he did not evil . Eccl 7:29
    Ecclesiastes 7:29 NKJV
    29 Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes.”
    Man served over Nature and had Responsibility
    Man had dominion over the earth
    Adam had charge over the Gardemn
    Adam had accountability Genesis 2:16-17
    Genesis 2:16–17 NKJV
    16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

    II. Sin Corrupted that Perfection

    Human sinned of their own free will. They were tempted by Satan. Men sought to function INDEPENDENT of God rather than DEPENDENT of God.
    1 Timothy 2:13–14 NKJV
    13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
    Romans 5:19 NKJV
    19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
    Romans 5:12 NKJV
    12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
    Adam and Eve defy God through Disobedience. They did not place faith in his words and therefore displeased him and rebelled. Norman Geisler (Systematic Theology Vol 3 Sin and Salvation.) mentions the fact that the simple faith and trust that brings salvation is the same simple faith and trust that Adam and Eve negated to their doom.
    Romans 8:22 NKJV
    22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
    What is th Final End of Man?:
    In Christian theology——the answer is defined concisely as: "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." 
    - the Westminster Shorter Catechism

    💬 Discussion Questions

    According to Genesis 1, where does human value come from?
    Why is it dangerous for culture to define humanity apart from God?
    What are some modern identity crises people struggle with today?
    How does Psalm 8 describe both the dignity and humility of mankind?
    Why do humans naturally search for meaning and purpose?
    How does Acts 17 challenge self-made identity?
    What does it mean that humanity was intentionally created?
    Why does every worldview eventually answer the question “What is man?”
    How does understanding God change how we understand ourselves?
    What areas of your identity need to be surrendered to God?

    II. THE IMAGO DEI — THE IMAGE OF GOD

    Core Scriptures

    Genesis 1:26–27
    Colossians 3:10
    James 3:9
    Psalm 139:13–16

    📚 Teaching

    “Imago Dei” means:
    Humans were created to reflect God’s nature, character, and rule.
    This includes:
    Moral awareness
    Creativity
    Relationship
    Rational thought
    Spiritual capacity
    Stewardship
    The image was distorted by sin but not destroyed.

    Discussion Questions

    What does it mean to bear God’s image?
    How are humans different from the rest of creation?
    Which attributes of God are reflected in humanity?
    How does the Imago Dei give every human inherent dignity?
    Why is racism, abuse, oppression, and exploitation an attack on God’s image?
    How does Psalm 139 shape our understanding of worth and value?
    What happens when people reject God’s design for humanity?
    How does sin distort the image of God in us?
    Why is every human life sacred?
    How does Christ restore the image of God in believers?

      • Genesis 1:26NKJV

      • Genesis 1:27NKJV

      • Psalms 8:1-2NKJV

      • Psalms 8:3-5NKJV

      • Psalms 8:6-9NKJV

      • Acts 17:24-25NKJV

      • Acts 17:26-27NKJV

      • Acts 17:28NKJV

      • Matthew 5:48NKJV

      • Deuteronomy 32:3–4NKJV

      • Ecclesiastes 7:29NKJV

      • Genesis 2:16–17NKJV

      • 1 Timothy 2:13–14NKJV

      • Romans 5:19NKJV

      • Romans 5:12NKJV

      • Romans 8:22NKJV

  • The Nature and Consequences of Sin

    Big Idea

    Sin is not merely “bad behavior.” Sin is humanity’s rebellion against God, corruption of nature, and brokenness that separates us from God, ourselves, others, and creation. The gospel does not minimize sin; it answers it through Christ.

    Common Misunderstandings to Address

    “People are basically good.”

    Biblically, people retain dignity because of the image of God, but are fallen and sinful apart from grace.

    “Sin is just personal choice.”

    Sin is personal, but also relational, spiritual, cosmic, and generational in consequence.

    “Total depravity means people are worthless.”

    False. Total depravity means every part of humanity is affected by sin, not that humans have no value.

    “Grace means sin is not serious.”

    False. Grace is costly. The cross shows sin is so serious that Christ had to die, and God is so loving that Christ willingly did.

    “The body and creation do not matter.”

    False. God created the body and creation good. Sin corrupts creation, but Christ will renew all things.

    Strong Closing Thought

    Sin separated humanity from God, fractured the self, divided relationships, and subjected creation to futility. But Christ came to reconcile, restore, redeem, and renew.
    The doctrine of sin is dark, but it makes the gospel shine brighter.

    1. What Is Sin?

    Key Scriptures

    Genesis 3:1–13; Romans 3:23; 1 John 3:4; James 4:17; Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 51:4
    Romans 3:23 NKJV
    23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
    1 John 3:4 NKJV
    4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
    James 4:17 NKJV
    17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
    Isaiah 53:6 NKJV
    6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
    Psalm 51:4 NKJV
    4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

    Teaching Notes

    Sin includes:
    Transgression — crossing God’s boundary. Iniquity — inward crookedness or corruption. Missing the mark — falling short of God’s glory. Rebellion — rejecting God’s rule. Idolatry — replacing God with created things.
    Sin is not only what we do; it is also what we are apart from grace. David says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity” in Psalm 51:5. Paul says all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory in Romans 3:23.

    2. The Nature of Sin

    Key Scriptures

    Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:20–23; Romans 7:15–24; Ephesians 2:1–3; James 1:13–15
    Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV
    9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
    Mark 7:20–23 NKJV
    20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
    Ephesians 2:1–3 NKJV
    1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
    James 1:13–15 NKJV
    13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

    Teaching Notes

    Sin is both external and internal. Jesus teaches that evil actions flow from the heart. The human problem is not merely environment, education, or lack of opportunity. Those things matter, but Scripture says the root issue is the fallen human heart.
    In Mark 7, Jesus names evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness as coming “from within.”
    Sin affects:
    Mind — darkened understanding Will — resistance to God Desires — disordered loves Body — used as instrument of unrighteousness Conscience — can be defiled, weak, or seared Relationships — blame, domination, envy, violence

    3. Total Depravity

    Key Scriptures

    Romans 3:10–18; Ephesians 2:1–5; Genesis 6:5; John 6:44; Titus 3:3–7
    Romans 3:10–18 NKJV
    10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” 13 “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; 14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
    Ephesians 2:1–5 NKJV
    1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
    Genesis 6:5 NKJV
    5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
    John 6:44 NKJV
    44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
    Titus 3:3–7 NKJV
    3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    What Total Depravity Means

    Total depravity does not mean every person is as evil as possible. It means sin affects every part of human nature.
    Humanity is fallen in:
    Mind Heart Will Desires Body Relationships Worship Moral judgment
    People can still do outwardly good things because they retain the image of God and receive common grace. But apart from grace, humanity cannot save itself, please God perfectly, or restore itself spiritually.

    Commentary Insight

    Augustine argued that after the Fall, humanity is not merely wounded but bound by disordered love. We still choose, but our choices are shaped by a fallen nature. The Reformers later described this as bondage of the will: not that humans cannot make choices, but that fallen humanity does not naturally choose God apart from grace.

    4. Man’s Separation from God

    Key Scriptures

    Genesis 3:22–24;
    Genesis 3:22–24 NKJV
    22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
    Isaiah 59:1–2; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:12–13; Colossians 1:21–22
    Isaiah 59:1–2 NKJV
    1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
    Romans 5:12 NKJV
    12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
    Ephesians 6:23 NKJV
    23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    Ephesians 2:12–13 NKJV
    12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
    Colossians 1:21–22 NKJV
    21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—

    Teaching Notes

    The first and greatest consequence of sin is separation from God.
    In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are removed from Eden. This is not merely geographical; it is theological. Sin breaks fellowship with God. Humanity is now alienated, guilty, and spiritually dead.
    Sin separates us from God in several ways:
    Relationally — fellowship is broken. Legally — we stand guilty before God’s justice. Spiritually — we are dead in sin. Morally — our desires oppose God. Eternally — apart from Christ, separation continues in judgment.
    But the gospel answers this separation: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” — Ephesians 2:13.

    6. Man’s Separation from Others

    Key Scriptures

    Genesis 3:11–13 NKJV
    11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” 12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” 13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
    ; Genesis 4:1–10
    Genesis 4:1–10 NKJV
    1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” 2 Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” 8 Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.
    James 4:1–3 NKJV
    1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
    ; Ephesians 2:14–16
    Ephesians 2:14–16 NKJV
    14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
    ; Colossians 3:12–15
    Colossians 3:12–15 NKJV
    12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

    Teaching Notes

    Sin immediately damages human relationships.
    In Genesis 3, Adam blames Eve. In Genesis 4, Cain kills Abel. Sin moves from hiding to blaming to violence. Broken relationship with God leads to broken relationship with people.
    Sin produces:
    Blame Manipulation Envy Rivalry Abuse Bitterness Racism Division Unforgiveness Domination Exploitation
    James 4 says conflicts come from passions at war within us. Human conflict is not only social; it is spiritual and theological.
    Christ reconciles us vertically to God and horizontally to one another.

    7. Man’s Separation from Creation

    Key Scriptures

    Genesis 3:17–19; Romans 8:19–23; Hosea 4:1–3; Revelation 21:1–5

    Teaching Notes

    Sin did not only affect humans. Creation itself was subjected to futility. The ground was cursed because of Adam’s sin. Work became painful. Creation groans.
    This does not mean creation became evil. It means creation became disordered under the curse.
    Consequences include:
    Painful labor Natural disorder Decay Death Environmental abuse Human exploitation of creation Frustration in work Creation longing for redemption
    Romans 8 teaches that creation waits for liberation. The gospel is not only about souls going to heaven; it is about God renewing all things through Christ.

    8. The Consequences of Sin

    Key Scriptures

    Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:7–8; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11–15; John 3:16–18

    Teaching Notes

    Sin has consequences in time and eternity.
    Present consequences:
    Guilt Shame Bondage Broken relationships Spiritual blindness Fear Death patterns Loss of peace Corruption of desires
    Eternal consequence:
    Judgment and separation from God apart from Christ.
    Romans 6:23 gives both the bad news and the good news: “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    9. Sin and the Gospel

    Key Scriptures

    Romans 5:18–21; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 2:13–15

    Teaching Notes

    The doctrine of sin is not meant to leave us hopeless. It prepares us to understand grace.
    Christ answers sin by:
    Taking our guilt Bearing our judgment Breaking sin’s power Reconciling us to God Giving new life Restoring identity Creating a new humanity Promising renewed creation
    The cross is where sin is judged and sinners are saved.

      • James 4:1–12NKJV

      • Romans 3:21NKJV

      • 1 John 3:4NKJV

      • James 4:17NKJV

      • Isaiah 53:6NKJV

      • Psalm 51:4NKJV

      • Jeremiah 17:9NKJV

      • Mark 7:20–23NKJV

      • Ephesians 2:1–3NKJV

      • James 1:13–15NKJV

      • Romans 3:10–18NKJV

      • Ephesians 2:1–5NKJV

      • Genesis 6:5NKJV

      • John 6:44NKJV

      • Titus 3:3–7NKJV

      • Romans 3:21-23NKJV

      • Romans 1:28-29NKJV

      • Romans 1:30-32NKJV

  • The Nature and Consequences of Sin

    Big Idea

    Sin is not merely “bad behavior.” Sin is humanity’s rebellion against God, corruption of nature, and brokenness that separates us from God, ourselves, others, and creation. The gospel does not minimize sin; it answers it through Christ.

    Common Misunderstandings to Address

    “People are basically good.”

    Biblically, people retain dignity because of the image of God, but are fallen and sinful apart from grace.

    “Sin is just personal choice.”

    Sin is personal, but also relational, spiritual, cosmic, and generational in consequence.

    “Total depravity means people are worthless.”

    False. Total depravity means every part of humanity is affected by sin, not that humans have no value.

    “Grace means sin is not serious.”

    False. Grace is costly. The cross shows sin is so serious that Christ had to die, and God is so loving that Christ willingly did.

    “The body and creation do not matter.”

    False. God created the body and creation good. Sin corrupts creation, but Christ will renew all things.

    Strong Closing Thought

    Sin separated humanity from God, fractured the self, divided relationships, and subjected creation to futility. But Christ came to reconcile, restore, redeem, and renew.
    The doctrine of sin is dark, but it makes the gospel shine brighter.

    1. What Is Sin?

    Key Scriptures

    Genesis 3:1–13; Romans 3:23; 1 John 3:4; James 4:17; Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 51:4
    Romans 3:23 NKJV
    23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
    1 John 3:4 NKJV
    4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
    James 4:17 NKJV
    17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
    Isaiah 53:6 NKJV
    6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
    Psalm 51:4 NKJV
    4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

    Teaching Notes

    Sin includes:
    Transgression — crossing God’s boundary. Iniquity — inward crookedness or corruption. Missing the mark — falling short of God’s glory. Rebellion — rejecting God’s rule. Idolatry — replacing God with created things.
    Sin is not only what we do; it is also what we are apart from grace. David says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity” in Psalm 51:5. Paul says all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory in Romans 3:23.

    2. The Nature of Sin

    Key Scriptures

    Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:20–23; Romans 7:15–24; Ephesians 2:1–3; James 1:13–15
    Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV
    9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
    Mark 7:20–23 NKJV
    20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
    Ephesians 2:1–3 NKJV
    1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
    James 1:13–15 NKJV
    13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

    Teaching Notes

    Sin is both external and internal. Jesus teaches that evil actions flow from the heart. The human problem is not merely environment, education, or lack of opportunity. Those things matter, but Scripture says the root issue is the fallen human heart.
    In Mark 7, Jesus names evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness as coming “from within.”
    Sin affects:
    Mind — darkened understanding Will — resistance to God Desires — disordered loves Body — used as instrument of unrighteousness Conscience — can be defiled, weak, or seared Relationships — blame, domination, envy, violence

    3. Total Depravity

    Key Scriptures

    Romans 3:10–18; Ephesians 2:1–5; Genesis 6:5; John 6:44; Titus 3:3–7
    Romans 3:10–18 NKJV
    10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” 13 “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; 14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
    Ephesians 2:1–5 NKJV
    1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
    Genesis 6:5 NKJV
    5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
    John 6:44 NKJV
    44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
    Titus 3:3–7 NKJV
    3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    What Total Depravity Means

    Total depravity does not mean every person is as evil as possible. It means sin affects every part of human nature.
    Humanity is fallen in:
    Mind Heart Will Desires Body Relationships Worship Moral judgment
    People can still do outwardly good things because they retain the image of God and receive common grace. But apart from grace, humanity cannot save itself, please God perfectly, or restore itself spiritually.

    Commentary Insight

    Augustine argued that after the Fall, humanity is not merely wounded but bound by disordered love. We still choose, but our choices are shaped by a fallen nature. The Reformers later described this as bondage of the will: not that humans cannot make choices, but that fallen humanity does not naturally choose God apart from grace.

    4. Man’s Separation from God

    Key Scriptures

    Genesis 3:22–24;
    Genesis 3:22–24 NKJV
    22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
    Isaiah 59:1–2; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:12–13; Colossians 1:21–22
    Isaiah 59:1–2 NKJV
    1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
    Romans 5:12 NKJV
    12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—
    Ephesians 6:23 NKJV
    23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    Ephesians 2:12–13 NKJV
    12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
    Colossians 1:21–22 NKJV
    21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—

    Teaching Notes

    The first and greatest consequence of sin is separation from God.
    In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are removed from Eden. This is not merely geographical; it is theological. Sin breaks fellowship with God. Humanity is now alienated, guilty, and spiritually dead.
    Sin separates us from God in several ways:
    Relationally — fellowship is broken. Legally — we stand guilty before God’s justice. Spiritually — we are dead in sin. Morally — our desires oppose God. Eternally — apart from Christ, separation continues in judgment.
    But the gospel answers this separation: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” — Ephesians 2:13.

    6. Man’s Separation from Others

    Key Scriptures

    Genesis 3:11–13 NKJV
    11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” 12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” 13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
    ; Genesis 4:1–10
    Genesis 4:1–10 NKJV
    1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” 2 Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” 8 Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.
    James 4:1–3 NKJV
    1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
    ; Ephesians 2:14–16
    Ephesians 2:14–16 NKJV
    14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
    ; Colossians 3:12–15
    Colossians 3:12–15 NKJV
    12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

    Teaching Notes

    Sin immediately damages human relationships.
    In Genesis 3, Adam blames Eve. In Genesis 4, Cain kills Abel. Sin moves from hiding to blaming to violence. Broken relationship with God leads to broken relationship with people.
    Sin produces:
    Blame Manipulation Envy Rivalry Abuse Bitterness Racism Division Unforgiveness Domination Exploitation
    James 4 says conflicts come from passions at war within us. Human conflict is not only social; it is spiritual and theological.
    Christ reconciles us vertically to God and horizontally to one another.

    7. Man’s Separation from Creation

    Key Scriptures

    Genesis 3:17–19; Romans 8:19–23; Hosea 4:1–3; Revelation 21:1–5

    Teaching Notes

    Sin did not only affect humans. Creation itself was subjected to futility. The ground was cursed because of Adam’s sin. Work became painful. Creation groans.
    This does not mean creation became evil. It means creation became disordered under the curse.
    Consequences include:
    Painful labor Natural disorder Decay Death Environmental abuse Human exploitation of creation Frustration in work Creation longing for redemption
    Romans 8 teaches that creation waits for liberation. The gospel is not only about souls going to heaven; it is about God renewing all things through Christ.

    8. The Consequences of Sin

    Key Scriptures

    Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:7–8; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11–15; John 3:16–18

    Teaching Notes

    Sin has consequences in time and eternity.
    Present consequences:
    Guilt Shame Bondage Broken relationships Spiritual blindness Fear Death patterns Loss of peace Corruption of desires
    Eternal consequence:
    Judgment and separation from God apart from Christ.
    Romans 6:23 gives both the bad news and the good news: “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    9. Sin and the Gospel

    Key Scriptures

    Romans 5:18–21; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 2:13–15

    Teaching Notes

    The doctrine of sin is not meant to leave us hopeless. It prepares us to understand grace.
    Christ answers sin by:
    Taking our guilt Bearing our judgment Breaking sin’s power Reconciling us to God Giving new life Restoring identity Creating a new humanity Promising renewed creation
    The cross is where sin is judged and sinners are saved.

      • Romans 3:23NKJV

      • 1 John 3:4NKJV

      • James 4:17NKJV

      • Isaiah 53:6NKJV

      • Psalm 51:4NKJV

      • Jeremiah 17:9NKJV

      • Mark 7:20–23NKJV

      • Ephesians 2:1–3NKJV

      • James 1:13–15NKJV

      • Romans 3:10–18NKJV

      • Ephesians 2:1–5NKJV

      • Genesis 6:5NKJV

      • John 6:44NKJV

      • Titus 3:3–7NKJV

Encounter Church
http://www.encounter360.org
5 members • 9 followers