"The Servants Of Sin"

Romans 6:20

All men by nature are under the curse of the law, because all are naturally under the dominion of sin. Sin has possession of every man's soul by nature. Sin is the governing principle and motivating force of all that fallen men think, desire and do (Matt. 15:18-20). The reign of sin over man is so thorough and complete that he cannot even will that which is righteous and good, much less do it. Sin holds even his will in bondage, so that all the fallen sons of Adam love to do is evil. And sin's dominion can never be broken except by almighty, irresistible grace conquering the man. Grace implants an entirely new principle of life in the man. But that old nature of sin is ever evil, loves evil, delights in evil, and does evil. Once grace enters the heart in regeneration, the dominion of sin is broken. Sin no longer reigns. But the propensity toward sin is still very much alive.

This propensity to evil does not run in all directions at once, only because man lacks the ability to do all the evil that is in him at once. But man's complete opposition to God's law is revealed in all the various stages of life. In childhood sin reveals itself in rebellion, selfishness and foolishness. In youth sin exerts its dominion in worldly ambition, pride and sensual pleasure. In adulthood it is seen in the pursuit of the things of the world, covetousness, and hypocrisy. In old age sin's dominion is manifest in impatience, meanness and childish selfishness. If there were any honesty in the hearts of men (There is none!) all men would be compelled to confess, "By nature I am nothing but sin. I have no good in me, no ability to do good, and no will to that which is good. Sin is my master. And I serve it with willing heart."

When a person is born again by almighty grace, he acknowledges his sin, hates his own evil nature, longs for and earnestly seeks righteousness. And he finds it in Christ, who establishes his righteous rule within. Christ has freed that person from the dominion of sin.

Don Fortner