Reformed theology affirms total depravity as the first of the TULIP doctrines. Total depravity does not mean that unregenerate persons are as wicked as possible, but that every faculty of human nature — intellect, will, and affections — has been corrupted by the Fall, so that no person can turn to God or will anything spiritually good without divine grace. The Canons of Dort (Third/Fourth Head, Articles 1–4) and the Westminster Confession (Chapter VI) describe the Fall as bringing guilt and corruption to all humanity through Adam, resulting in enmity toward God and inability to save oneself.

The Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 3–8) frames original sin through the lens of human misery: we know our sin and misery from God's law, which shows us how utterly we have fallen from the perfection God requires. This inherited corruption — not merely imitation of Adam — is actual guilt imputed to all people. Prevenient grace that neutralizes original sin for all people (the Arminian view) is rejected; only the efficacious grace of election overcomes total depravity in the elect.