How Evil is Man's Nature?

Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 3 The sermon powerfully affirms the doctrine of total depravity, rooted in Scripture and the Reformed confessions, asserting that humanity is not merely deficient in goodness but actively inclined toward all wickedness due to the fall of Adam, in whom all were corporately present. It emphasizes that this depravity affects every aspect of human nature rendering fallen man incapable of doing any truly good deed, thinking aright, or desiring God apart from regeneration by the Holy Spirit. The passage from Colossians 3 is central, calling believers to mortify earthly members like fornication, anger, and covetousness while actively putting on the new self renewed in knowledge, mercy, and peace. The sermon applies this truth personally and pastorally, urging believers to recognize their ongoing struggle with the old nature even after regeneration, and to teach children early about their sinful nature, the need for continual repentance, and the necessity of Christ's atonement as the only hope for forgiveness and transformation. 1. A Hard Answer 2. A Personal Answer 3. An Important Answer