There Are None Who Seek God
Total Depravity represents the first tenet of Calvinism’s renowned TULIP acrostic. This doctrine of Total Depravity (also known as Radical Corruption, Total Inability, Moral Inability, among other names) posits that every aspect of human nature is corrupted by sin – that our entire being is affected by sin, rendering individual’sincapable of choosing God or doing good without divine interventionoften referred to as the act of regeneration. To be clear, this doctrine does not posit that humans are corrupt to the extent that they are as evil as they possibly could be, rather that the effects of sin impact our entire being. Reformed theologian R.C. Sproul referred to this doctrine as radical corruption, in that “sin penetrates to the root or core of our being” [1]. As a result of our sinfulness, humans are incapable of doing what is deemed good in the sight of God, and human actions cannot merit God’s favor. Lastly, due to man’s fallen state, humans are completely unable to turn to God, to seek Him, or to initiate a relationship with Him by their own efforts. John Calvin asserted, "Unless God, by His Spirit, corrects the depravity of nature, no one will ever of himself have a mind to embrace the Gospel," [2] emphasizing humanity's innate corruption and incapacity for righteousness. James White echoes this, stating, "Man, in his natural state, is incapable of understanding or seeking God. It is only through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that a person can come to faith in Christ." [3] Similarly, Jonathan Edwards describes Total Depravity as the idea that “Men are not merely morally unable to love God supremely; they are wholly destitute of any disposition or inclination to do so and have a habitual aversion to it." [4].
For the sake of clarity, Christians should believe that due to the fall, human beings are in a depraved state, sinful and in need of a savior. There is no controversy in the belief that human beings are incapable of meriting salvation because no one can please God by merit or works. Additionally, left alone, man would not seek after God independently. Fortunately, from the very beginning, God has not left us to ourselves. He has created us with an innate sense and ability to recognize his “invisible qualities – eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20), as well as having the law written on our hearts (Romans 2:14,15); He chose Israel to be the messengers and deliverers of His messiah with the purpose of blessing all nations with a way unto reconciliation unto Himself (Genesis 12:3; 18:18-19); God provided his law and word (Romans 3:2; 9:4), the Gospel and the Holy Spirit that we may be able to be born again into a right standing relationship and the promise of everlasting life. Therefore, the controversy lies in the belief that all these things God has provided throughout history, are insufficient to allow people to respond to God positively due to the fact we are, in essence, born spiritually dead. This belief infers we are found so corrupted by sin, that our mind, will and heart can only rebel, making us incapable of discerning spiritual things, unless God grants regeneration unto faith; and that only through the act of regeneration will man turn, seek or love God. Again, this idea is the core of the “total inability” notion conveyed by the tenet Total Depravity, a concept challenging to demonstrate in the Scriptures, as I will substantiate later in this article.
However, there are many verses or “proof texts” used by Calvinists to support this doctrine. Proof texting is the practice of using isolated verses to establish a proposition or doctrine. This involves taking verses out of broader context to support a theological point or argument. There are many passages used to support Total Inability, prevalent verses being Romans 8:7-8, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Ephesians 2:1, among many others, but perhaps the most cited verses are found in Romans 3:9-18.
This series of verses is often a central passage because Paul states plainly there is no one righteous, none who understands or seeks God(Romans 3:11). At first glance, these verses seem to support the claims of total inability. However, after a closer examination of the verses that comprise the passage (vv. 9-18) we see Paul is referencing a string of Old Testament verses, which is important to note if we are to understand this passage in context.
Analyzing Romans 3:9-18
Paul’s focus in Romans 3 is to convey that all human beings are underthe power of sin (3:10), no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law (3:20), and that all need the righteousness of God, which can only be obtained through faith in Jesus Christ (3:21-31).
Certain Jews of Paul’s time believed they were superior to gentile believers due to circumcision or their Jewish identity as God’s elect people. Thus, Paul emphasizes the depravity and fallen state of both Jews and Gentiles in verses 9-18, by drawing on several Old Testament passages found in Psalms, Isaiah, and Ecclesiastes. Let’s consider each verse quoted in verses 11-18 of Romans 3, individually,and in context (I also encourage you to read each chapter in itsentirety).
Psalm 14:1-3 (as well as Psalm 53:1-3):
“Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the LORD.”
Who is the author of this Psalm describing? Verse one clearly states the fool. He mentions their corruption and vile deeds. These fools have turned away and become corrupt and decided to live as if there is no God. David calls the fools “evildoers” in verse 4 due to their rebellion; though, in the same verse and verse 5, there is a contrast between the fool and another set of individuals. “They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the Lord. But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.” How can there be a company of the righteous if no one is righteous? David is comparing the disposition of the fool with those that seek God, love him and are trusting in him.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
“Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”
We are all sinners and in need of a savior. We need God’s righteousness bestowed on us. However, when one reads this entire chapter, one will notice a similar theme to the Psalms quoted previously. The author is contrasting the life of the fool against those who are wise. King Solomon mentions the fool six times throughout this chapter (vv. 4-7,9,18), emphasizing the importance of wisdom and how it preserves those who have it (v. 12). Those who fear God will have wisdom (v.18). Additionally, likeDavid in the Psalms, notice how even though he states that no one is righteous, once again, there is mention of individuals who are righteous (v. 15).
Psalms 5:9-10
“Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies — make your way straight before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. Declare them guilty, O God!”
When reading the entire Psalm, one can conclude that David is not talking about all individuals, rather specifically his enemies. He states his enemies have rebelled against God (v. 10), but that God will bless and protect any who take refuge in Him, those who love and rejoice in his name (v.11). Once again, there is mention of the righteous in verse 12, those contrasted with those who rebel against God.
Psalm 140:1-3
“Rescue me, LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips.”
Once more, David is not making a sweeping statement about all people. Very plainly he is talking about evildoers, wicked people and those who commit violence. This Psalm describes David’s struggle against his enemies – people working against himand God, with the goal of ending his life. As we have noted before, once again, there is a contrast between evildoers and the righteous - “Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live in your presence” (v.13).
Psalms 10:7
“His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue”. Who is full of lies and threats? Whose tongue brings trouble and evil? Verse two very clearly states it is the wicked. “In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord. In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” (vv. 2-4).
Does this sound familiar? Just like in Psalm 14 and 53, the wicked man is characterized by his pride, arrogance, and thoughts – “there is no room for God”. Notice verse 4 does not say all men do not seek God, but the wicked. There is a major difference. Once again, the Psalmist contrasts the wicked and the righteous, for he says “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.” (vv.17-18).
Isaiah 59:7-8
“Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.”
The entire chapter begins with a proclamation that it is Israel’s iniquities that have separated them from God (vv.1-2). The prophet Isaiah, speaking on behalf of God, describes the transgressions of his people in great detail. If we zoom in on these passages specifically, Isaiah is describing those who are continually and eagerly pursuing evil and sin. He is not making a sweeping claim about all of humanity but is describing the conditions of those who are eager to do evil.
Lastly, Psalm 36:1
“I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Similar to what we have observed previously, this passage addresses the stance of the wicked. Verses 1-4 detail the posture, vile words, and actions of those who walk in evil. At the end of the Psalm, in verse 10, we see David pleading with God for His continued love on those who know God and for His righteousness for the upright in heart.
After considering these passages individually and in context, can we conclude these verses describe the condition of all humanity? No, these verses clearly illustrate an overarching pattern and theme - the depravity of man and the wickedness of certain individuals who turn away from God. These passages are describing the fool, wicked and evildoers. Even though there is no one who has escaped sin, the authors recognize there are individuals who do call on God, seek Him, and desire to walk in His ways, contrasting the generation of the righteous, the upright in heart and those who seek God against those who reject Him. Paul's is not suggesting an absolute incapacity of mankind to seek God or do good, but rather illustrating the universal need for salvation through Christ.He is not stating man is unable to seek God, rather, his intention is to show that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin and in need of salvation through Christ. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," but it is followed by the solution in Romans 3:24, "and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
Biblical Exhortations to Seek God
If man is created unable to respond or seek God due to our fallen condition, without the regenerating act of God unto faith, it makes numerous verses in the Scriptures where God asks, commands, and encourages man to seek him, troubling. When God instructs or commands man to choose, seek, obey, or find him, is he asking something that is even possible for man? If God commands humans to seek Him, but humans are entirely unable to do so without His regenerating grace, it would seem confusing. If God's commands are impossible to fulfill due to total inability, some might even argue that it seems to make God deceitful. It would appear as though God is setting a standard that humans cannot meet, only to judge them for failing to meet it. Why would God issue commands that people cannot possibly fulfill? Therefore, it is appropriate to believe God genuinely desires for all to seek him and judges those who choose not to. As observed previously, there are many verses where God asks and desires us to seek him, as well as verses describing those who do seek and choose to put their faith in trust in God as those who are credited and deemed righteous. We understand this by the plain reading of several verses found in both the old and new testaments [5].
In Deuteronomy 4:29, Moses tells the Israelites, "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." This verse implies that seeking God is within human ability, contingent on earnest effort.
Isaiah 55:6-7 also exhorts, "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." This passage suggests that even the wicked can turn to God, implying a potential for repentance and seeking God.
In the New Testament, Jesus himself invites seekers, saying in Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." This invitation is universal, indicating that the ability to seek and find God is available to all.
Acts 17:26-27 provides further evidence of this call to seek God: "From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us." This passage indicates that seeking God is a purpose of human existence, accessible to all people.Hebrews 11:6 states "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." God expects us to draw near and seek him; doing so pleases him. Again, this is for whoever would draw near, clearly it is a possibility for all men.
In sum, while the doctrine of Total Depravity correctly teaches the pervasive effects of sin and humanity's need for divine intervention, it is essential to recognize that God's grace, through various means provided throughout history, enables individuals to respond positively to Him. That is why it is so important to declare the Gospel and pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction on those who do not believe.The innate sense of God's presence, the law, the Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit collectively contribute to our ability to turn towards God, seek Him, and embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
The many Bible verses asking man to seek God suggest that humans possess certain capacity to respond to divine prompting. As noted, passages such as Deuteronomy 4:29, Isaiah 55:6-7, and Matthew 7:7-8 imply that seeking God is within human ability when pursued with genuine repentance. The universal invitations extended by Jesus and the apostles affirm that the ability to seek and find God is available to all, emphasizing God's nearness and accessibility to humanity.
While Calvinists may argue that these seekers of God are the elect, predestined to regeneration, this interpretation necessitates reading into the text beyond its plain meaning. The biblical narrative presents a God who earnestly desires all to seek Him and judges those who choose not to. The availability of God's grace, the law written on our hearts, and the universal call to seek Him indicate that God’s provisions throughout history are sufficient to enable a positive response to Him, even in our fallen state.
Ultimately, the doctrine of Total Depravity highlights our deep need for God's grace and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.However, the numerous scriptural exhortations to seek God demonstrate that this grace is actively extended to all, enabling a genuine pursuit of a relationship with Him. This perspective resolves the tension between human inability and divine commands, showing that through God's grace, we are both invited and enabled to seek and find Him.
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[1] Sproul, R.C. What is Reformed Theology. Repackaged edition, Baker Books, 2016
[2] Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Translated by Henry Beveridge, Eerdmans, 1957.
[3] The God Who Justifies, Bethany House, 2001.
[4] Edwards, Jonathan. Freedom of the Will. Dover Publications, 2012.
[5] Verses about “The Righteous”: Psalm 1:5-6, Psalm 5:12, Psalm 7:9, Psalm 11:5, Psalm 14:5, Psalm 31:18, Psalm 34:15, , Psalm 37:16-17, Psalm 55:22, Psalm 58:10-11, Psalm 64:10, Psalm 68:3, Psalm 69:28, Psalm 92:12, Psalm 97:11-12, Psalm 112:4, Psalm 118:20, Proverbs 10:3, Proverbs 11:5-6, Proverbs 12:3, Proverbs 12:10, Proverbs 12:26, Proverbs 13:5-6, Proverbs 13:9, Proverbs 14:9, Proverbs 15:6, Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 21:12, Proverbs 24:15-16, Proverbs 29:6, Ecclesiastes 3:17, Isaiah 3:10, Isaiah 26:2, Isaiah 32:16-17, Isaiah 33:15-16, Isaiah 45:8, Isaiah 57:1-2, Isaiah 60:21, Ezekiel 3:21, Ezekiel 18:24, Ezekiel 33:12-13, Daniel 12:3, Habakkuk 2:4, Zephaniah 2:3, Malachi 3:18, Matthew 13:43, Matthew 25:37, Luke 1:6, Luke 14:14, Luke 18:9, Luke 20:20, Romans 1:17, Romans 2:13, Romans 4:3, Romans 5:7, Galatians 3:11, 1 Timothy 1:9, Hebrews 10:38, 1 Peter 3:12, James 5:16 Verses about “Seeking God”: Psalm 9:10, Psalm 14:2, Psalm 24:6, Psalm 27:8, Psalm 34:10, Psalm 40:16, Psalm 63:1, Psalm 69:32, Psalm 70:4, Psalm 105:3, Psalm 119:2, Psalm 119:10, Deuteronomy 4:29, 1 Chronicles 16:11, Psalm 34:4, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 29:13, Hosea 10:12, Zephaniah 2:3, Matthew 6:33, Luke 11:9-10, Hebrews 11:6, Luke 12:31, John 4:23, Acts 15:17, Romans 2:6-8, Colossians 3:1-2, James 4:8, Luke 11:9-13, Acts 17:26-27, Galatians 6:7-8, Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:5
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