The Inability of Man

The condition of mankind is that we are totally depraved, based on our fallen nature of Adam. Is there anything we can do about it, can we fix it?

Unable to Follow God

7 because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:7-8, NET©

Since the fall of sin, mankind is automatically hostile to God because of our fallen nature. We are automatically hostile toward God and to walk in fellowship with Him. If we learn what the moral and law of God is, then we automatically will do what is against God. We do what is wrong because it is built into us, a built-in rebellion. There is no chance that we can follow God, even if we try to do so. The old Adam within will do the opposite and we will follow the fallen nature instinctively.

Unable to Change

18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 7:18-19, NET©

By ourselves, we are unable to change. Just in the same way that a pear tree can not carry apples, nor an apple tree is able to carry pears. No matter how much they want to. Just as little, can a bad tree bear good fruit. Similarly, we can not change ourselves to start doing the good acts by ourselves. There is nothing about us in our DNA, that can turn us into something good.

Unable to Recompense

6 We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind. Isaiah 64:6, NET©

If we should get the opportunity to recompense for all our evil, we are not able to do so. If it ever was possible for us to compensate bad karma by good deeds that would produce good karma. Then it would just be a zero game, if it ever were possible! Our “good” deeds are like a dirty cloth, it’s self-righteousness. Because of our sin, we carry on iniquity, something we will never be able to compensate. What does it matter if we can balance an overdraft credit, if we have another bank loan of ten millions? You are already bankrupt.

Unable to Do Right

18 For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I want to do the good, but I cannot do it. Romans 7:18, NET©

But if I want to do what is right and just do \ldots then you will soon notice that you are not able to. There is a dark shadow in you that lives its own life within. To which whom you are slave and which will never submit to God, and his righteousness. All of us are born as slaves of sin.

Only Mercy of Jesus

27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides to reveal him. Matthew 11:27, NET©

The father has left everything to the son. The son know the father and the father knows the son. If Jesus wants, he can reveal the Father to you, but everything depends on the mercy of God. Only by the initiative of God, can you have mercy. Under no circumstances can you achieve or deserve this, there is nothing you can do to fix this. And only according to the way God offers it to you; you can have mercy and salvation. In no way can you save yourself, or get salvation by going your own way!

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