The concept of radical corruption challenges our cultural narrative of self-sufficiency and innate goodness. This powerful teaching explores the uncomfortable yet transformative truth about our spiritual condition apart from Christ – we aren't merely sick or struggling, but spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins.

Through a careful examination of Ephesians 2:1-5, we unpack both total depravity (sin's corruption of every aspect of our being) and total inability (our complete helplessness to save ourselves). These doctrines aren't new or trendy – they represent historic Christianity dating back through figures like Charles Spurgeon and the Reformers to the apostles themselves.

The reality of our radical corruption explains why we naturally follow "the course of this world" and why our hearts consistently deceive us. As Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?" We distinguish between free agency (making choices according to our desires) and true free will (which sin has corrupted), helping us understand why Jesus said we must be "born again."

Far from leading to despair, understanding our radical corruption actually produces profound gratitude. When we grasp that we were dead – not just drowning – in our sin, the amazing grace of God shines brighter than ever. Those two powerful words in Ephesians 2:4, "But God," become the most beautiful phrase in Scripture. He saved us not because we were lovable or because we took the first step, but because He is "rich in mercy" and loved us with a "great love."

This teaching reminds us that church isn't a social club for the well-behaved but a hospital for the spiritually sick. We all come to the cross on the same level – as children of wrath made alive by grace alone. Let this reality deepen your worship, strengthen your resistance to temptation, and fill you with gratitude for the God who saved you when you could not save yourself.