Psalm 14:2-3 (ESV) – The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.

“Everyone is basically good.” Have you ever heard someone say this? Many people in our world today believe that axiom. They believe everyone is basically good, but are nurtured toward wickedness and evil through circumstance and rearing. Others believe that humans are inherently sinful and inclined toward rebellion against God. This leads to why people commit injustices, are selfish, lie, steal, and cheat. It is not something unnatural happening when humans behave badly, but something inherent to our nature. 

The Bible teaches the second position. It doesn’t say that humans are as bad as they could be or do all the wickedness that they can imagine. But it does teach that we are not inherently righteous creatures. The psalmist says, “The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.”

God looks upon the earth at humans. What does He see? Not people who are knowledgeable and wise. Not people who seek after God. No, what He finds are people that have turned aside from seeking God and seeking knowledge and have become corrupt. Nobody is innocent. Nobody is without guilt. Not even one. 

This is a strong statement from Scripture. Not one. This means I am guilty and you are guilty. The doctrine that expounds this point is Original Sin. The fall of man occurs in Genesis 3 and the sin nature is passed to posterity, generation after generation. We are sinful creatures that need redemption and forgiveness.

The good news of the gospel is that God did not throw us away. Instead, He chose to save a people for Himself out of the lot of wicked sinners. He did it during the flood (Genesis 6:8) and He still does it today.

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He transforms the lives of sinners by causing them to be born-again, giving them a new nature and hearts that desire to obey Him. Hearts that feel remorse when they stray. This is not natural. It is a miracle of grace. If you have trusted in the Savior God has provided—Jesus—then your sins have been forgiven and your life has been changed. Praise God for the wonderful gift of a new life.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why do people struggle to admit that humans are not inherently good?
- What is the way that Christians can properly describe man’s sinful nature to others?
- How does this passage make you thankful for the gospel of God’s grace?

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