We believe that after the fall man lost his exalted position before God. Since then, all mankind has been under sin with its results. Man is born with weakness and a tendency to evil and is subject to the power of death.
“His nature became so weakened through transgression that it was impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil..
“In the apostasy, man alienated himself from God; earth was cut off from heaven.
Across the gulf that lay between, there could be no communion.” -Steps to Christ, pp. 17, 20.
“When man transgressed the divine law, his nature became evil,.” -The Great Controversy, p. 505.
“Man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, in himself, to come into harmony with Him whose nature is purity and goodness.” -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 64.
This is how mankind’s situation became hopeless. Romans 5:12; 3:10-12; 6:23; Psalm 51:5; Matthew 15:18-20; Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 7:18-20.