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Is the Nature of Man Good or Evil?

 

 

Mankind was Created Good!

 

Many people and scholars are still debating whether the nature of Man is good or evil. Some environment activists even argue that Mankind does not fit into the ecosystem, and the world would be much better without human beings, etc. etc.

 

However, from the Biblical point of view, the answer is clear and simple - MANKIND WAS CREATED GOOD! Mankind is created by God in the image of God! How can the image of God be evil? And look at all the creations in the world! From a tiny flower to a huge elephant, every part works together so perfectly that it is difficult to find even one flaw! So how could a perfect God create something imperfect?

 

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness ... Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. ~ Genesis 1:26-31

 

 

Then Why are There so Many Evil People?

 

The Bible tells us that our nature is not "born corrupt" but only “grows corrupt” because of deceitful lusts. For example, it is our human nature to speak the truth, but people tell lies and give false witnesses because they have been deceived to believe that twisting their words could give them more benefits. 

 

That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the Old Man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. ~ Ephesians 4:22

 

King Solomon also made the same discovery and said the following:

 

Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes. ~ Ecclesiastes 7:29

 

God gives free will to Mankind, but unfortunately, men have used it to do evil. Remember, even Lucifer (some translated "king of Tyre") was created perfect! The reason he became evil was because of his pride.

 

You (Lucifer / king of Tyre) were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty ... you were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you ... By the abundance of your trading, you became filled with violence within, and you sinned ... Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty. ~ Ezekiel 28:11-17
 

 

 

So Are All babies Good?

 

Well, probably not, as we can see nowadays. Many children can actually have evil thoughts and do evil things even from a very young age. However, this may not be caused by their own deceitful lusts, but by their parents, their environments, or any other factors

 

It has been found in many studies that children already have consciousness and memories inside the womb. It is in fact recorded in the Bible that Jacob and Esau fought inside the womb of their mother Rebekah (Genesis 25:21-23)! Moreover, the Bible tells us that the spirit comes to the womb after the baby is conceived. 

 

As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. ~ Ecclesiastes 11:5

 

So what is this spirit? Is the baby’s personality determined by this spirit? And does each baby have a different spirit? Prophet Jeremiah was chosen before his birth. Was his spirit different from the other men?

 

Then the word of the Lord came to me (Jeremiah), saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5

 

A definite answer could not be found in the Bible so we can only make guesses from the available Scriptures. However, it may be suffice now to remember that Mankind is created GOOD, and all the evil thoughts and behaviors are NOT natural. They did not come with the original design, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are well able to get rid of them!

 

And do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that you may prove what is that good and acceptable

and perfect will of God.

~ Romans 12:2