The question of how to reconcile the apparent "good" in unregenerate men with the doctrine of Total Depravity is a common one among Christians. At first glance, it may seem challenging to reconcile the two, but upon closer examination, we can see that the apparent good in natural man is a reflection of God's common mercies, which He bestows on all humanity.
The doctrine of Total Depravity affirms that all fallen and unregenerate human beings possess many of God's common graces. These graces include a conscience and the capacity to promote virtue and civil righteousness. These gifts demonstrate that despite their fallen nature, individuals without God's regenerative grace can still bring about many beautiful aspects of the world we live in. For instance, they possess the skill to create beautiful music, make profound works of art, invent intricate machines, and accomplish countless other productive, excellent, and praiseworthy activities.
John Calvin observed that "natural men" have been "sharp and penetrating" in their investigation of inferior things. Thus, their example shows us the many gifts the Lord has left to human nature even after it was despoiled of its true good. This is a powerful reminder that God's common grace extends beyond the boundaries of faith.
It is natural to ask how it is possible for man to produce so much good, given that he is considered to be totally depraved. However, this question is based on a misunderstanding of what we mean when we say that man is depraved due to the fall. The doctrine of total depravity and spiritual inability of the natural man means that even though man's good works align with God's commands, they are not pleasing to God when weighed against His ultimate criteria and standard of perfection.
The love of God and His law does not motivate or animate the unbeliever, nor is it his motivation at all. Consequently, he is not entitled to redemptive blessings from a holy God. Scripture is clear about this when it states, "...without faith, it is impossible to please Him." (Hebrews 11:6a, NASB) and "whatever is not from faith is sin." (Romans 14:23) If man "is restrained from performing more evil acts by motives that are not owing to his glad submission to God, then even his "virtue" is evil in the sight of God." (John Piper) His motivation for doing good works does not stem from a heart that loves God.
Through our justification and regeneration in Christ, we are, for the first time, capable of pleasing God based on Christ's work. The work of the Holy Spirit renews our affections for God, enabling us to understand and delight in spiritual things and transforming our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.
Total depravity refers to the idea that man is lost, unspiritual by nature, and completely powerless to restore himself from his ruined state. In other words, he cannot do any redemptive good. Fallen man does not have a desire for God; he loves darkness and hates the light, and therefore will not come to Christ unless he is reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Calvin observed from Romans 1 that all people, whether regenerate or unregenerate, have a sense of the divine within them. Even unbelievers know God to some extent because God has imprinted His image on all individuals. The apostle Paul notes, "For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him..." Since the Holy Spirit does not reside in fallen man, the source of his affections is from a polluted well. He has a sense of the divine and knows God, but only as an enemy.
God has endowed humanity with a conscience, which restrains them from committing more evil, but their hearts cannot reach up to God in heaven unless the Spirit pours His blessings down from above. God offers His love to man, but since man is hostile to God by nature, he will always reject Him. Everyone is accountable to come to God, but they are inexcusable for knowing Him and refusing to come to Him. "For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Our duty is to repent, but we will not do so unless God grants us repentance and gives us new eyes to see the truth. Without Scripture and the Holy Spirit, we only distort the true light God has given us in His creation. Since the Scripture declares that we suppress the truth and make idols of all things created, if our blindness is to be removed, we need not only the light of God (Scripture) but also new eyes to see that light (the Holy Spirit). Therefore, the apparent good in unregenerate individuals must be understood in the context of the total depravity of man and the need for God's grace to transform hearts and enable us to live in accordance with His will.
- John W. Hendryx
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