[ksen]

But, how does he, in his fallen state, come to the correct understanding of God's nature?

He comes to a correct understanding of God's nature by the hearing of God's Word (Ro 10:13-17).

Does Total Depravity equal Total Inability? (I don't think it does)

[editor-surveyor]

"But, how does he, in his fallen state, come to the correct understanding of God's nature?" Jean

"He comes to a correct understanding of God's nature by the hearing of God's Word (Ro 10:13-17)." ksen

Yes, when God's elect hear his word they are drawn to him, but when the non-elect hear the word it is foolishness to them.

1Cr 2:14
" But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned."

It's all there in the word ksen; you're just not receiving it.

[Jean Chauvin]

"He comes to a correct understanding of God's nature by the hearing of God's Word (Ro 10:13-17)."

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Mark 4:9)

Where does he get his ears to hear?

How does he understand the word?

Is the unregenerate man even ABLE to understand the truth of the word?

Jean

[gal220]

Does Total Depravity = Total Inability?

Yes. Because Man's mind has been affected by sin: Rom 3:11a, 1 Cor 2:14, Rom 8:7&8

His emotions have been affected by sin John 3:19.

Man's will does not operate outside of or independently from his mind and emotions but his will responds to what he desires and how he reasons which have both been ruined by sin
Man is spiritually dead Eph 2:1,5
Jesus taught man's inability John 6:44, 65.

Man cannot see or perceive spiritual things John 3:3
Romans 8:7 cannot submit to God or his law
1Cor 2:14 Cannot know spiritual truth
John 15:5 Cannot do spiritual good.

So, where is the ability here. There is no ability until it is given. It is God given ability.