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According to biblical teaching, while [[Creation|God created the universe]] as perfect, including humanity (Genesis 1:31), due to [[Fall of man|Adam and Eve's decision to rebel against God]], humanity, along with the entire universe, was cursed (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12, 8:20). Because of this, the state of humanity is hopelessly evil without the salvation provided by [[Jesus Christ]]. As [[God]] said to the prophet Jeremiah, "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick" (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV). King David stated that "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in [[sin]] did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5, ESV). When promising to never again send a global flood, God still noted that "the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth" (Genesis 8:21, ESV).

According to biblical teaching, while [[Creation|God created the universe]] as perfect, including humanity (Genesis 1:31), due to [[Fall of man|Adam and Eve's decision to rebel against God]], humanity, along with the entire universe, was cursed (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12, 8:20). Because of this, the state of humanity is hopelessly evil without the salvation provided by [[Jesus Christ]]. As [[God]] said to the prophet Jeremiah, "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick" (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV). King David stated that "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in [[sin]] did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5, ESV). When promising to never again send a global flood, God still noted that "the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth" (Genesis 8:21, ESV).

This emphasis on the depravity of humanity is also clearly noted in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul devotes much of the Book of Romans to explaining the human condition and the need for God's salvation. For example, he explains how evil all people are – whether Jew or Gentile (Romans 3:9) – and that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, ESV). Not only is this the case, but Romans 8:7-8 makes clear that not only do unsaved people choose not to obey God, but they are literally unable to with their human strength.

This emphasis on the depravity of humanity is also clearly noted in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul devotes much of the Book of Romans to explaining the human condition and the need for God's salvation. For example, he explains how evil all people are – whether Jew or Gentile (Romans 3:9) – and that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, ESV). Not only is this the case, but Romans 8:7–8 makes clear that not only do unsaved people choose not to obey God, but they are literally unable to with their human strength.

While Salvation and freedom from this human condition is achieved through [[faith]] in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21–31), this does not mean the human condition is now improving. In fact, biblical teaching states that until the second coming of Christ – when everything will be made perfect again – humanity will further deteriorate. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 makes this very clear and notes the coming of the [[Antichrist]], who will come after the restraining force on Earth leaves and who will cause many to perish. Jesus Himself stated that "poor you will always have with you" (Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7, NIV). While Jesus's statement does not diminish the obligation for Christians to care for the needy, it shows that human efforts to eradicate poverty will end in failure.

While Salvation and freedom from this human condition is achieved through [[faith]] in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21–31), this does not mean the human condition is now improving. In fact, biblical teaching states that until the second coming of Christ – when everything will be made perfect again – humanity will further deteriorate. 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 makes this very clear and notes the coming of the [[Antichrist]], who will come after the restraining force on Earth leaves and who will cause many to perish. Jesus Himself stated that "poor you will always have with you" (Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7, NIV). While Jesus's statement does not diminish the obligation for Christians to care for the needy, it shows that human efforts to eradicate poverty will end in failure.

Thus, biblical teaching states that, contrary to the Idea of Progress, all of humanity is hopelessly corrupted and that it will remain that way until the second coming of Christ.

Thus, biblical teaching states that, contrary to the Idea of Progress, all of humanity is hopelessly corrupted and that it will remain that way until the second coming of Christ.