Page 20 - WHO AM I_Classical

Similarly, various statements made under the

inspiration of the Holy Spirit are echoed from

the pen of inspiration: Apart from Christ, man

has absolutely no power whatsoever to

improve himself morally or to live without

sinning. Apart from Christ, man is naturally

inclined to follow Satan, has absolutely no

virtue, nor moral worth. Apart from Christ,

there is no repentance or forgiveness, and

every effort to overcome sin will fail. Apart

from Christ, man’s heart is selfish, sinful, and

vicious. Apart from Christ, man could never

appreciate or appropriate the divine nature;

for without divine power, the original

propensities to sin are left in the heart, they

can never be broken by human power alone.

Apart from Christ, man cannot keep the law,

nor resist temptation. Man’s heart is so vile,

he cannot, of himself, escape the pit of sin or

change his heart.

“It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape

the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our

hearts are evil [convoluted, vicious, “deceitful

above all things, and desperately wicked”]