[This eBook is only available as a fully interactive PDF document (currently v.1.3) in large-format paperback size, which you will find to download free of charge at the foot of this page. It is best read on a tablet or laptop/desktop computer. However, it can be read on a good-sized phone as the document has been designed to be very legible. For best results and portability, a tablet is recommended]
THE TOTAL DEPRAVITY of every human being born into this fallen world has long been a principal tenet of genuine evangelical theology. Even the mainstream “Chambers Dictionary” — the official reference work for the game of “Scrabble” — defines the word “Evangelical”, in part, as “Of the school of religious belief that insists especially on the total depravity of unregenerate human nature…”. “Chambers Dictionary” also defines the word “depravity” as “vitiated or corrupt state of moral character; extreme wickedness, corruption; the hereditary tendency of man towards sin”. In saying this, “Chambers” is being more astute than many pulpits and Bible colleges!
From a vitally foundational standpoint, if this depravity was not complete, then the need for complete redemption would be undermined — while, at the same time, it would never be certain that God was the sole author of a person’s salvation, for depraved people cannot save themselves.
This study paper, in the form of a 104-page eBook containing almost 30,000 words is an in-depth analysis of this often forgotten, badly neglected and misunderstood Bible teaching. It shows not only what the Bible actually teaches but also lays bare its presence in many historical documents, confessions and creeds from yesteryear when Bible teaching on such matters was considered de rigueur.
Taking many side-trips into its remit to investigate difficult subject areas, this eBook will either shock you or send you to your knees in prostration before the absolute sovereignty and power of our God and His work through Christ Jesus. As one of the proofreaders wrote: “Oh my! What a labour of love from you and an emotional rollercoaster for the reader (me)”. Another proofreader wrote:
“I very much appreciated your thoughts on this subject, especially concerning John 3:16. I wanted to read your article in order to get some of the wrong thinking out of my head. You have done a very good job of explaining the subject in a way that really shows the true condition of man and how God has been and still is working in His world”.
Here is a copy of the Table of Contents:
Access this free PDF file (v.1.3) by clicking the Download button below:
Diakrisis Project 
I just wrote a long response to this, then lost it. Bummer! : (
Basically, I said that although I prefer reading articles like this on paper (because I’m an old fashioned paper-kind-of-gal who likes to highlight and take notes) I did finally finish this while we were on vacation a couple of weeks ago. I read it slowly, as time permitted, from my teeny-tiny telephone, and what a joy it was to read! Alan, what could possibly be more comforting than to know the mystery of God’s will, that by nature our condition is hopeless, yet that God has chosen us in him, that he has a purpose for you and I, and for all who are in this body of Christ. What could be better than truly believing and understanding that all things are in fact working after the counsel of his own will, and that we as his church are moving according to his sovereign purpose in the realm of something tremendous–a purpose that was laid down from the beginning–something fixed, unalterable, and irrevocable.
When I first embarked on my “journey for truth” one of the many materials I studied (along with Scripture of course) were several volumes of writings that were labeled “The Predestinarian.” They were written mostly by a few old-time Baptists from the 16th and 17th centuries who had a deep and right understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your paper on the Nature of the Human Condition was like reading a modern (and easier to understand) version of their writings.
Well, truth is truth, even if only a few can see or understand it. This paper of yours explains why I enjoy your other writings too, why I can relate to them, and why I look forward to reading more of them as time permits. Thank God for the “truly open people” and for the marvelous gifts of discernment and writing you have been given. Keep going. Keep writing. You are a blessing to me, and doubtless to many others whom, one day, you will see and know.
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Lovely to read, Jan, Thank you!
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ok found button. have registered with WordPress. All good. Great reading coming my way, eh, Alan? theodocia flynn
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where’s the download button, SOS ?
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Hi there! The Download button is at the foot of the page on which the eBook is placed.
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Alan, I’m still a few papers behind, but between a glance at your conclusion and title about the human condition, I already know where it’s going and pray time permits me to enjoy every word. What a blessing you are, and courageous.
I’ve often wondered if Arminianism (Freewillism) is Mystery Babylon? There is no hope at all in such doctrines. Only in the grace and mercy of my sovereign Lord, Jesus the Christ, do I find peace. Only in his will, not mine.
I sometimes think only those who have been raised from the depths (like Jonah) can say with true understanding that salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9). May many “Jonah’s” find your writings. Thank you, and God bless you.
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Thanks so much for the comment, Jan. Judging from what you say, I think you will really enjoy this one if you read the whole piece. Yes, going through the “wringer” helps one to abandon every particle of freewill nonsense. I live in that wringer. It’s my home. Wouldn’t swap it for any other. I’m still waiting for the flak from writing this paper. But of much more interest to me are the reward of knowing folks such as yourself. Let me know what you think when you’ve read the whole thing. Blessings to you from me, Alan
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I still haven’t had a chance to read this but only because I’ve been overcome by events. With all that’s happening with “that little state over there,” it seems a number of my own list members have forgotten everything I’ve ever shared with them. Or have they ever really understood what I’ve shared? (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Still looking forward to reading this, and will respond again when I do. I also want to read your book about “that little state over there.” If it’s even half as good as your article once published in SCP, I will be so happy.
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Hi Alan! I’m reading this right now and just want to say that it’s a breath of fresh air! I appreciate your writing style and the breadth with which you explore topics biblically. Very stimulating ❤
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Dear Nina, that is so good to know. Thank you for saying that. I only hope you feel the same way when you have finished it! 🙂
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Haha 😄 I’ve read enough of yours that I feel confident that I will feel the same!
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