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Abundant Life in the Son: A Study of Salvation

                           Humanity’s Predicament

                              The result of humanity’s sin is separation from God and other people.
                                                                  Because of the sinful nature that
                                                                  resulted  from  the  Fall,  people
                                                                  are totally evil. Every part of our
                                Because of the sinful             nature has been affected: intellect,

                                 nature that resulted             emotions,  and  will.  Because
                                                                  of  this  condition,  people  are
                                from the Fall, people             completely  incapable  of  saving

                                are totally evil. Every           themselves.  Our  minds  have
                                                                  become  so  darkened  by  sin  that
                              part of our nature has              we  cannot  understand  spiritual

                             been affected: intellect,            things (1 Corinthians 2:14). Thus,
                                                                  to  natural  or  unsaved  people,
                                   emotions, and will.            spiritual things are foolish. Such a
                                                                  person lacks spiritual insight, and
                                                                  cannot  understand  the  truth  of
                           the things of God. The natural mind cannot grasp these issues; we need
                           information that is made available only by the work of the Holy Spirit.


                              The fact is that humanity’s will is bound in slavery to sin. Paul said this is
                           so because “the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law,
                           nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God”
                           (Romans 8:7–8). From these facts, we can draw a number of conclusions:

                              •  Fallen man cannot think, will, or do what is truly good.
                              •  He may, on occasion, do good deeds because of common grace.
                              •  The  ability  to  choose  and  act  is  limited  by  slavery  to  sin
                                 (Romans 6:17, 20).
                              •  The only deliverance from this bondage is God’s redeeming grace.


                              What a joy it is to know that each person on earth is free to turn
                           to God, repent, and believe. This is the clear teaching of the Word of
                           God. We see, then, that God commands sinners to repent. If we were
                           not  free  to  respond  to  this  command,  the  command  would  have  no
                           meaning or force. However, with the help of God, people can will and act
                           according to God’s good purpose: repenting of sin, believing in Christ,
                           and  accepting  His  salvation  (Philippians  2:12–13).  Salvation  through
                           Christ is the only solution for sin.


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