Summary3 min read

Podcast Summary: Ultimately with R.C. Sproul

Episode: Denying Our Depravity
Air Date: May 8, 2026
Host: Ligonier Ministries

Episode Overview

This episode, "Denying Our Depravity," addresses a core teaching in the Christian faith: the profound reality of human sinfulness when measured against God’s perfect righteousness. Drawing from years of biblical study, R.C. Sproul guides listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature, emphasizing that Christianity focuses not on therapy or self-help, but on real guilt, real law, and real redemption.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Uncomfortable Truth About Human Nature

Self-image vs. Reality
Sproul challenges the modern inclination toward positive self-esteem, stating that true Christianity requires admitting just how deep and defining our moral corruption is. Acknowledging this is necessary for a right relationship with God.
The Seriousness of Sin
According to Sproul, if we honestly engage with the New Testament, we must accept that “our sinfulness is massive” (00:27). He stresses that coming to terms with the vast gulf between humanity's nature and God’s standard of righteousness is essential—not optional—for genuine Christian faith.

Christianity’s True Orientation

Therapy vs. Redemption
Sproul distinguishes Christianity from therapeutic or feel-good philosophies. Instead, he insists, “Christianity is not about therapy. Christianity is not about feeling good or good feelings. Its basic orientation is an orientation of guilt and forgiveness.” (00:39)
- This means the faith addresses objective reality: genuine law, real sin, and the necessity of real redemption from outside ourselves.

The Dangers of Denial

Destructive Consequences
Sproul issues a warning about contemporary tendencies to deny human depravity. He argues that avoiding this truth isn't genuinely therapeutic; it ultimately leads to destruction, not healing or wholeness:

“Denying the reality of our corruption as compared with the perfection and righteousness of God is really not therapeutic in the final analysis, it is destructive.” (01:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Human Corruption:

“It doesn't give us a good self-image or a lot of self-esteem to think of ourselves as being so corrupt that that corruption defines us morally as creatures born under the judgment of God.”
— R.C. Sproul, (00:03)
On Authentic Christianity:

“Christianity is not about therapy. Christianity is not about feeling good or good feelings. Its basic orientation is an orientation of guilt and forgiveness. It has to do with real law, real sin, and real redemption.”
— R.C. Sproul, (00:39)
On Denial and Destruction:

“Denying the reality of our corruption as compared with the perfection and righteousness of God is really not therapeutic in the final analysis, it is destructive.”
— R.C. Sproul, (01:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:00 – 00:39: The challenge of confronting personal depravity and the contrast with cultural emphases on self-esteem.
00:39 – 01:13: The essence of Christianity: guilt, forgiveness, law, sin, and redemption—distinct from mere therapy.
01:13 – 01:22: The consequences of denying our true fallen state.

Conclusion

Denying Our Depravity offers a sobering but crucial reminder that authentic Christian faith involves facing up to the depths of our moral corruption—and that true hope and redemption are found only in recognizing our guilt and seeking forgiveness in Christ. Sproul calls listeners to resist therapeutic substitutes and instead embrace the truth that leads to genuine transformation.

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Transcript2 lines

[00:01]
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I know it doesn't give us a good self image or a lot of self esteem to think of ourselves as being so corrupt that that corruption defines us morally as creatures born under the judgment of God. But if we're going to take the New Testament seriously about the human fallen condition, we're going to have to acknowledge that in light of God's standard of righteousness, our sinfulness is massive. Christianity is not about therapy. Christianity is not about feeling good or good feelings. Its basic orientation is an orientation of guilt and forgiveness. It has to do with real law, real sin, and real redemption. And denying the reality of our corruption as compared with the perfection and righteousness of God is really not therapeutic in the final analysis, it is destructive.
[01:23]
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