Heidelberg Catechism

Question 8. Are we then so corrupt that we are totally incapable of doing any good, and inclined to all wickedness?

Answer: Indeed we are, (a) unless we are regenerated by the Spirit of God. (b)

(Click through to see scriptural proofs.)

a. Genesis 8:21

And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done.

      Genesis 6:5

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

      Job 14:4

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?

There is not one.

      Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

b. John 3:3-5

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born againhe cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.