About the Human Condition
Unit 1.1 - Foundations of the Christian Faith
Welcome to this online learning module that delves into the fundamental topic of salvation. In this module, we will explore the key concepts and teachings related to salvation, as outlined in scripture and the traditions of the church. We will examine the meaning of salvation, the source of salvation, and the means by which salvation is offered to humanity. We will also consider the implications of salvation for our daily lives as believers. Whether you are a new Christian seeking a deeper understanding of the faith or a seasoned believer looking to refresh your knowledge, this module will provide you with valuable insights and information to enhance your spiritual growth. So, let’s begin this exciting journey of discovery into the profound and life-changing truths about salvation!
We begin with a very important question. What is the human condition? This question speaks to the foundations of our human experience. We all sense there is more beyond this earthy plain, but most are simply clueless about how to understand it. We know that we did not make ourselves, and we know that our lives are but a vapor as compared to the size and age of the universe in which we live. So, why are we here? Is there some sort of meaning to a human life?
In Christ, we come to realize that there is a Creator who loves us and created us with a purpose. The purpose is simple: God created us to be in fellowship with him. It is our life-long quest to know God and be known by Him. What a glory this is! But there’s a hitch.
Although we were created good and made for fellowship with our Creator, humanity has been cut off from God by self-centered rebellion against him, leading to lawless living, guilt, shame, death, and the fear of judgment. This is the state of sin in which we find ourselves. This is the essence of the human condition: we are fallen creatures in a fallen world. We cannot know God as long as we remain in this fallen state. We are sinful creatures separated from a holy God by our sins.
But God has made a way...!
Your assignment: Read the following scriptures and see what God has revealed to us about the depravity of the human condition.
Romans 1:18–23; 3:9–23
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Genesis 3:1–13
1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” 11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” 12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” 13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Psalm 14:1–3
1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good. 2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. 3 They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, no, not one.
Matthew 15:10–20
10 When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: 11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” 12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” 13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” 15 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16 So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”
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