No Man Is Good
One of the most fundamental questions of human existence is this: “Is mankind basically good or bad?” Modern thinking says that mankind is basically good. When they do bad thing, they are because of different environmental factors. God’s evaluation of mankind in Psalm 53 is is strikingly different. This psalm gives one of the clearest pictures of the depravity of mankind in the Bible.
David says that the majority of people live as if God doesn’t not exist (53:1). They are “fools,” denying that God has any relevance for their lives. They are “corrupt” at heart and demonstrate this moral perversity as they commit abominable sins against God and others (53:1). David says that there is no one that does any good (53:1). Brethren, any deeds are ONLY good if they are done to the glory of God, anything else is worthless (1 Cor 10:31).
God evaluation of mankind is that there is no one that seeks after Him. If they had understood the nature of God, they would live in fear of His judgement upon their sins and would have availed themselves of His grace and forgiveness (53:2-3). People, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, will not acknowledge God or seek to know Him.
Brethren, fully appreciate the grace of God and His salvation through Christ Jesus. Everyone of us was born with a sinful nature, there was no good in us. We were dead in your trespasses and sins and had only God’s wrath to look forward to (Eph 2:1-3). Praise God that in Christ we have forgiveness of sins and have been reconciled to God. Rejoice, for salvation has come out of Israel (53:6).