What an era in which to live. We are so enlightened! We have Google. We invented the internet which makes modern communication possible. Cell phones give dwellers in remote villages in the Brazilian or Congolese jungle access to communication and information unknown scant decades ago. Advances in heart and brain surgery bring hope where certain death awaited many patients. We eat foods from all over the world. Artificial Intelligence powers multiple industries. Increasingly, life is good—or is it?
The 80th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy is just over. We fought two world wars so we would never have to fight another. But North Korea, Viet Nam, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan followed. Then Russia invaded Ukraine, Hamas violated Israel, Iran threatened the west, China strengthened their military to intimidate South-east Asia and beyond. Why did universal peace not ensue?
Why are there some 24 million slaves, more than at the height of the 17th century slave trade? Why is pornography so prevalent? Why do people molest children? Why do men abuse wives? Why is Boko Haram burning churches and killing pastors? Why do we have to identify and fight off scammers from morning to night? Why are there scandals in government and even in our churches? And why, oh why is antisemitism so prevalent and viewed as legitimate?
Oh, we rejoice to hear stories of generosity and compassion. These stories are so uplifting we keep on passing them on through Facebook and Instagram. But the reason we circulate them widely can be traced to their rarity.
Many still believe that mankind is basically good. But if we are to really progress, we need an accurate diagnosis of the human condition. And the fact is that ever since the fall in Eden, all humans are born fallen, sinful, selfish, naïve—in a word, depraved. “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind” (Jer 17:9,10).
Paul summarizes the uniform teaching of Scripture. “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God, All have turned away…there is no one who does good, not even one…There is no fear of God before their eyes.…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10,11,18,23). The human mind, will, and desires are corrupt. The reverence for God that might move us toward good is lacking.
Titus describes the reality. “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure., In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted” (Titus 1:15). In our natural estate, as humans, purity does not exist.
This bent to sin is within us since our conception. “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5).
In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also live among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath” (Eph. 2:1-3). Note that this diagnosis describes ALL, the condition of all is DEAD in sins, all LIVED as governed by sinful thoughts and cravings, and as INFLUENCED by the ways of the fallen world and Satan. The result: under WRATH. Theologians call this state, total depravity.
Of course, people in general do not believe this diagnosis. Instead, they re fed a steady diet of self-esteem—pursue your dreams for anything is possible. they are urged to look deep within to discover their authentic self, as if deep within we are pure and beautiful. “Finding yourself is important because it is the key to living a fulfilling and authentic life. When you truly know yourself, you can make decisions that align with your values, passions, and purpose. It’s about understanding who you truly are, embracing your unique story, and living authentically.”
No wonder the world is full of unhappy people—some even suicidal. A recent minister to 20 and 30 somethings described their generation as full of bitter disillusionment. (Jeremy Linneman) Like those in Jeremiah’s day, today’s therapists, “Dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace. (Jer. 6:14). We can’t imagine a doctor treating a life-threatening infection with an aspirin or telling us not to worry, we’ll be okay in a day or two. First must come a careful diagnosis, then thorough treatment with anti-biotics or whatever is necessary. Sadly, our fatal sin problem is ignored.
Fortunately, God is the Great Physician. He did not leave us to our own devices. He began a rescue operation. The promise of our rescue is enshrined in a covenant which is gradually revealed in the Old Testament record and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. But to avail ourselves of treatment, we must accept the diagnosis!
(Let me know your thoughts on this subject. If you appreciate this blog, please pass it on. If I can help you spiritually, let me know. Further articles, books, and stories at: Facebook: Eric E Wright Twitter: @EricEWright1 LinkedIn: Eric Wright ; Eric’s books are available at: https://www.amazon.com/Eric-E.-Wright/e/B00355HPKK%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share)
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