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All problems have two components: a source and its symptoms. This is clearly demonstrated by illnesses, where they each have a root problem that produces symptoms. This is also exemplified by a kitchen garbage bag producing an odor when it remains unchanged for too long. When addressing common issues such as these, most people understand the futility of solely addressing their symptoms, knowing they will return because their sources remain intact. For example, the solution to the latter example is not continually using an air freshener but replacing the garbage bag to bring a permanent end to the old one's odor. Thus, an effective problem solver differentiates between symptoms and sources, resolving the latter to end the former.
However, such prudence is rarely applied when addressing the current state of our fallen world. Comparable to an illness with a litany of symptoms, sin has plagued our world with countless problems ranging from hatred and wars to poverty and prejudice. Unfortunately, most people only address these symptoms rather than their root problem, foolishly applying social programs, government policies, and unbiblical ideologies that continually fail to produce permanent, positive change. As these vain efforts and the Scripture's truths demonstrate, confronting the outward manifestation of sin is futile for it cannot address its root cause.
Jesus explains this predicament in Mark 7:15-23. Here, He notes how we are not defiled by what we ingest, nor by our outward actions alone. Rather, He explains that our defilement is caused by sin's presence in our hearts. This is emphasized by verses 21-22, which list a plethora of outward sinful actions and states how they all come from our hearts' wicked inward motives. Jesus further explains in Matthew 5:22 and 28 that even when these internal thoughts are not acted upon, they are still sin and make us fall short of God's perfect standards. Thus, our outward sinful acts are merely the symptoms of sin dwelling in our hearts, revealing how the former cannot be overcome without addressing the latter.
However, we are powerless to change our sinful inward motives, for they also are symptoms of a deeper issue plaguing all humanity. This is explained in Colossians 3:5, which reveals that we struggle with sin's outer and inner manifestations because it permeates our very natures. Romans 5:12 explains that this perilous condition was caused by the first man and woman, who rebelled against God and passed down this spiritual death to all humanity. Our resulting sin natures, as Romans 8:7 explains, are so corrupted and antagonistic towards God that they leave us completely incapable of abstaining from sin in our own strength. Furthermore, Romans 3:23 and 6:23 note how these natures cause us to fall short of God's perfect glory, making us deserved of eternal death before His righteous judgment. In addition, we in ourselves have no ability to escape this situation, for Isaiah 64:6 reveals that all our efforts and works are stained with sin and are therefore like filthy rags before God. Thus, because this world's wisdom and works can only reach mankind's sinful actions and thoughts, they fail to address the source of these symptoms - our sin natures - and produce true change.
Thankfully, our loving Creator has not abandoned us in this hopeless state, for He alone has provided the means to overcome our sinful actions, thoughts, and even natures through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. First, John 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 note that by coming to this earth, living the perfect life we could not, and sacrificing His life for us, Christ bought and freely offers us salvation from our unrighteous standing before God. Second, Romans 6:6 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 reveal that Christ, in taking our sins upon Himself during His death, crucified our sin natures, allowing Him to rejuvenate our dead spirits and place His perfect nature within us upon our salvation. Finally, Romans 8:13 and Ephesians 4:22-24 state that though our sinful flesh persists and can influence our thoughts and actions, the Holy Spirit provides the strength and mental renewal necessary to overcome it when we submit our lives to His work. Thus, the saving, regenerating, and renewing work of Christ and the Holy Spirit is the only solution capable of destroying our old sin natures, the root of our sinful actions and thoughts.
The world's wisdom, tools, and works cannot help mankind overcome sin because they only address its symptoms and not its source - our sinful natures. Thankfully, Christ graciously gave His life to not only win this victory but also freely provide us salvation and righteous standing before God. Although sinful desires persist in our flesh, God alone provides us the means to overcome them by living in His new life, allowing His nature to increase in our lives, and submitting ourselves to the Holy Spirit renewing our thoughts and desires.
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