: : MAN : :

We believe that man was created innocent and in the image and likeness of God, for fellowship with God, so that man might glorify God. God made both male and female. Man was tempted by Satan, and became disobedient against God. This sin of disobedience brought both physical and spiritual death (which is separation from God) to himself and his posterity. Being estranged from his Maker yet responsible to Him, man became subject to divine wrath. He became inwardly depraved, and apart from a special work of grace, utterly incapable of returning to God. The depravity of man is extreme and permeates his mind, will and affections. Unregenerate man lives under the dominion of sin and Satan. Man is hostile toward God and hateful of God. Man is fallen and is now a sinner both by nature and by choice, is alienated from God, and apart from salvation through Jesus Christ is eternally separated from God (Gen. 1:26, 27, 2:17, 3:6, 19; Rom. 3:10-18, 5:12-21; Eph. 2:1-3).