Total Depravity & Assurance of Salvation

The doctrine of total depravity teaches that every aspect of man is affected by the sin curse, including his "will" which is enslaved to sin. The only way for salvation to occur is for a gracious and sovereign God to grant life to the spiritually dead. Some people wrongly believe that a belief in God's sovereignty over salvation will lead to despair for the sinner since they are not in control. In reality, the only true hope the sinner has is rooted in God. Assurance of salvation comes about when we forget self and look to Christ alone, trusting in his finished work.