The doctrine of man begins with humility: we are fallen, dependent, and needy. Scripture declares, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Calvin taught that apart from God, man is “nothing but vanity.” Berkhof explained that sin left us spiritually dead. Doctrine protects us from pride by reminding us that we are helpless without grace. To know man rightly is to know our desperate need for Christ.