Originally Posted by Robin
I think he and I are saying the same thing, actually, in different terms. The old nature is totally depraved. The regenerate person is not, though he still has the totally depraved "old nature" within him to be overcome.

Look at Matthew 5:6

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Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6 NASB).

Even though we are poor in spirit (recognizing our own inadequacy and tendency to stray) and though we mourn (for our sin and unworthiness), the regenerate still hunger and thirst for righteousness. Thus the regenerate are NOT totally depraved. But the "old nature" that still wars against our spirit within us is.

Does that help?
Robin

Yes that helps.
It might sound funny coming from me, but I have found that when I don't choose my words carefully, often what I am trying to say is not understood. Hence, why I was a little nitpicky of you using the words "totally depraved" for Christians.

Tom