“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6: 5)
[This] verse is not describing a super-sinner class. No, it’s a mirror into which every human being is meant to look and see himself. It is capturing in a few powerful words what theologians call “total depravity.”
Now, total depravity doesn’t mean that as sinners we are as bad as we could possibly be. No, what it actually means is that sin reaches to every aspect of our personhood. Its damage of us is total. Physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, motivationally, socially, we have been damaged by sin. Its ravages are inescapable and comprehensive. No one has dodged its scourge, and no one has been partially affected. We are all sinners. It reaches to every aspect of what makes us us.
Sadly, when each of us looks into the mirror of Genesis 6:5, we see an accurate description of ourselves.
Source: Paul Tripp, The Danger of Self- Defense (Desiring God Blog, April 8, 2011)
Jojo Agot 