"Total Depravity" matters.
It matters because if there is some little bit of good in us, then we can somehow try to earn our salvation.
Mormons say, "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we saved, after all we can do." (II Nephi 25:22) - emphasis mine
Total depravity matters, because if we can earn our salvation, there is no need for a savior.
We are not just a little "sick", so that we can get better and so attain salvation.
No - we are DEAD in our sin. We can no more walk toward our own salvation than Lazarus was able to walk out of his tomb before Christ called him.
It is not until we understand the depth of our sin that we can fully understand our need for our Saviour.
It is not until we see how bad we are, that we see how good God is.
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
Words and Music by Stuart Townend
©1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
