Since man was made in the image of God, he possesses a good nature that matches God's nature, with virtues such as truthfulness, goodness, loveliness, wisdom, kindness, and valor.

However, there is also an evil nature in man which wars against his good nature. The Chinese metaphysicists refer to this war as a battle between reason and lust. Throughout history, both in the East and West, those who understand human nature acknowledge the existence of this evil nature which the Bible calls:

2. 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. Please read the following verses:

"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 a portrait of man.

3. THE FALL OF MAN

Sin entered into man and caused him to fall. See diagram below:

(1) Sin caused man's spirit to be deadened:

"And you, being dead in your offenses and sins." Ephesians 2:1

(2) Sin caused man's mind to rebel:

"And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by evil works." Colossians 1:21

(3) Sin caused man's body to sin:

"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body to obey its lusts." 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.

4. 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.