“As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, no not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.’” Romans 3:10-11
October 21, 2026
When it comes to our natural, spiritual condition, sin has affected our total being (body, soul, spirit)- intellect (2 Cor. 4:4), conscience (1 Tim. 4:2), will (Rom. 1:28), heart (Eph. 4:18). Our goals, motives, and our physical bodies are infected with the spiritual disease of sin. After the “snakes and spiders” of Isaiah 59:5 we are not out of the woods yet. We have to drive through a dark tunnel before we can get to the light. There is hope, but first we need to know what “totaled” means. We can do nothing within our natural self that can give us merit in God’s sight (put your eyes on Romans 3:9-20). Man the sinner cannot save himself. The natural man or woman hates God and, without the restraints of God’s government, we would go from bad to worse. We all have the ability to commit the worst sin (under “favorable” conditions). The roots are there, like a garden. They may be well beneath the surface of the soil, but the roots are still there. If you dare, remember the last time you lost your temper toward a careless driver. Yes, we can do good things for our fellow man, things which benefit others, but we can never in our natural selves do things for God’s glory alone. If God has saved and forgiven you in Christ, sing amazing grace.
H
Reflection:
What is behind riots and anger that rages in the streets?
Can certain religious rituals make us more acceptable in God’s sight?