Romans 3: 10-12— As it is written [referencing Psalm 14: 2, 3]: There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.

We know people seeking God all the time. So because the word of God is truthful, what does it mean that no one seeks God? The answer begins to come into focus in Psalm 14: 2, 3. It’s a passage that tells us of God’s conclusion about mankind. He determines that no one seeks Him due to our sinful nature.

As we’re all born with a fallen nature of self-interest, some naturally dismiss the notion that there is a God. Others, even though acknowledging an existent God as Creator, are disobedient to Him. Then there are those who create gods in their image. In any of those cases, we rebel because we don’t want to be held accountable for our actions. Therefore, we don’t want to seek God.

Furthermore, we can’t (Romans 8: 7). That’s because, again, none of us are good. In other words, we don’t inherently possess true righteousness. Sure, we may want to do things that seem, look, and feel right; but the fact is that such motivations still are rooted in sinfulness. It remains that it is simply our sinful nature wanting to do good. The outcome, though, is an impure, unrighteous goodness.

So then, we don’t seek God as Scripture states because we’re incapable of doing so on our own. But as said, we know of many who do seek Him; who have sought Him with all their heart and found Him, as promised by God in Jeremiah 29: 13. So how does that square with “no one seeks Him?”

The only way that we can follow God’s instructions to seek Him is that He first seeks us. That’s His method of operation, plainly spoken by Jesus. “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

Jesus also said that no one can come to Him unless God draws that person (John 6: 44). We are drawn by the Holy Spirit who works to convict us of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16: 8). That’s a process of grace that creates within the heart a desire to seek God.

It must be underscored that it is God seeking us that allows us to be saved through faith. It is not us initiating the seeking. God seeks us to stir faith within us so that we might seek Him and be saved. Such grace-seeking is a gift (Ephesians 2: 8). It’s empowering and of a righteous-nature, intended to replace our fallen nature.