Romans reveals that man is inherently sinful and unable to seek God on his own, as stated in Romans 3:11.
The book of Romans presents a clear and sobering view of human nature. In Romans 3:11, Paul asserts that 'there is none that seeketh after God,' pointing to an inherent spiritual deadness in humanity. This theme continues as he describes, in vivid detail, the unprofitability and wickedness of man (Romans 3:12-18). The Scriptures depict a fallen condition wherein all individuals are by nature unwilling to come to God. This reinforces the need for divine intervention through grace, the only means by which sinful individuals can be reconciled to God. Hence, the portrayal of man's nature in Romans serves as a backdrop for understanding the grace and mercy of God in salvation.
Commentary