What does the Bible say about man's fallen state?

The Scriptures reveal that man in his fallen state is deeply marred by sin, rendering him incapable of achieving true righteousness. Romans 3:23 states, 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' This condition is further expressed in Jeremiah 17:9, which states that 'the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.' Without the intervention of God's saving grace, man cannot be restored to his original state of holiness. Thus, Scripture emphasizes the necessity of regeneration and divine assistance for any hope of righteousness.