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• THE TWO NATURES
OF MAN •
Since man was made in the image of God,
he possesses a good nature that matches God's nature, with
vitues such as truthfulness, goodness, loveliness, wisdom, kindness,
and valor. However, there is also an evil nature in man which
wars againts his good nature.
• SIN •
Because sin is in man, he is unable
to carry out his good intentions. No one likes to be greedy, jealous,
or murderous. No one likes to be boastful, arrogant, or deceitful.
No one likes to be irritable, licentious, or lustful. No one likes
to murmur, complain, or curse.
Nevertheless, man cannot escape his evil nature.
"For I know that in me, that is,
in my flesh, nothing good dwells; for to will is present with
me, but to do the good is not."
(Romans 7:18)
"But if what I do not will, this
I do, it is no longer I that do it but sin that dwells in me."
(Romans 7:20)
This is the potrait of man.
• THE FALL OF MAN •
Sin caused man's spirit to be deadened:
"And you, being dead in your offenses
and sins."
(Ephesians 2:1)
Sin caused man's mind to rebel:
"And you, who once were alienated
and enemies in your mind by evil works."
(Colossians 1:21)
Sin caused man's body to sin:
"Let not sin therefore reign in your
mortal body to obey its lust"
(Romans 6:12)
The fallen man is like a damaged and untunable
radio which cannot receive and play music, but rather meaningless
noise. He is also like a cup that has fallen into the gutter, outwardly
pretty but full of mud.
• MAN CANNOT SAVE
HIMSELF •
Throughout history, man has tried every
possible way to escape sin, but he has found that
GOOD WORKS cannot save him from sin.
EDUCATION cannot save him from sin.
ETHICS cannot save him from sin.
CHANTING cannot save him from sin.
RELIGION cannot save him from sin.
This picture of man simply depicts the
battle between his good nature and his evil nature.
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