Our Problem of Condemnation (Romans 5:12-21; COD Head 3, 4 Arts 1-3)

Reformed confessions might not lay out the most encouraging words regarding the status of humanity. We say things like man naturally hates God and his neighbor. Or we mention that man deserves the Lord's wrath from conception. We hear these things and might wonder if such strong language is really warranted. Is man really that bad? How did man ultimately get into this predicament? Why move forward in life if we are condemned anyway?