The Corruption of Our Character

Have I sinned?

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.1 John 1:8-10

Am I really going to Hell for my sin?

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 6:23

Is my sin really so bad I would go to Hell?

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.James 2:10

Is God really going to turn me away because of my sin?

Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.Isaiah 59:1-2

We cannot run from the fact that we are sinners, corrupt to the core.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.Romans 1:20-21

Our entire person is corrupted with sin, our heart, our mind, our words and our actions. No part of us is untouched by sin.

We sometimes refer to this as the total depravity of mankind.

Total Depravity: “The view that sinfulness is inherent to human nature and that all people are inclined to sin. With total depravity, sin has a complete hold on human behavior so that no one is able to earn salvation by their good behavior.” Lexham Glossary of Theology

Mankind is universally wicked. (none righteous)

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.Psalm 14:1-2

While man might perform some commendable actions, only Jesus held God’s standard of righteousness.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.2 Corinthians 5:21

We are born into unrighteousness, but only made righteous in Christ.

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:Philippians 3:9

Mankind is spiritually ignorant. (none that understandeth)

Yes, mankind knows there is a God, but what does God expect and how does one make things right with Him?

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:Romans 1:19-20

When confronted with spiritual truth, man deems it foolishness.

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.1 Corinthians 2:14

Mankind is rebellious. (none that seeketh after God)

God promises that those who seek truth will find Him.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.Jeremiah 29:13

God’s truth becomes a threat to our lifestyle, so we reject God.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.Proverbs 12:15

Mankind is naturally wayward. (turned aside)

Our rebellious nature is manifested in our desire to not simply disobey God, but create our own path away from God.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.Isaiah 53:6

Mankind is spiritually worthless. (become unprofitable)

Abiding in Christ is what makes us able and capable to have lasting impact and meaning in life.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.John 15:4-6

Mankind is inherently corrupt. (none that doeth good)

While man can do respectable acts of kindness, all of these fall short of the perfect, holy character of God.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 6:23

As sinful as man can be, we are still loved by a gracious God.

The answer for our sinful condition is Jesus.

When we are in Christ, we are a new creature and this old man nature is put to death.