That the majority possess very inadequate ideas of the evil of sin is evident from their contentment under its defilement. Many are not only contented to remain under the power of sin, but they embrace the odious monster with a wonderful avidity and repel every attempt to deliver them from this mortal and evil disease. Even those who, for the sake of reputation, maintain an exterior free from gross transgressions, often cherish in their hearts ideas, desires and purposes which contain the very essence of iniquity; and yet they seem not to discern the hateful nature of the lusts of the flesh and of the spirit which they cherish in their hearts.
They appear to be satisfied, like the Pharisee of old, if they can keep the outside of the cup and platter clean. How little the real evil of sin is perceived, even by professors of Christianity, is manifest from the little concern which they feel to be cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. They do not groan as did the apostle Paul, under a painful sense of indwelling sin, but are very much at ease in Zion. If indeed, under the power of temptation, they are guilty of some overt act of transgression, they are often deeply wounded and show much concern and sorrow for what they have done. But sins of greater wickedness are committed in the spirit, in the imaginations and desires of the heart, for which they feel little or no regret, and this is an evidence that this concern, for the most part, springs from a selfish principle.
But souls under the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, are led to see that their chief disease is one of the heart. They mourn daily before God over their lack of holy feelings and emotions, and on account of the many evils which they, by the application of the law, detect in themselves. And from the evil thoughts and desires which often spring up in them, they are convinced that the heart itself, which generates such sinful thoughts, must be desperately wicked.
So far indeed as it has been renewed, another principle has been implanted; but the old man has great strength. Even when it was hoped that particular sins were completely mortified, they afterwards, under circumstances favourable to their exercise, sprout anew and with vigour strive for the mastery. The great business of the Christian is to oppose and mortify these corruptions which remain after conversion. Hence there must be a perpetual conflict between the flesh and the Spirit – between the old man and the new. And although the real Christian is often discouraged with his lack of success in this warfare, yet the Captain of salvation has assured him of ultimate victory. None do truly engage in this warfare but such as have been enlightened to see the evil of sin as reflected from the mirror of the holy law. And the more they are convinced of sin, the more they have recourse to the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness.
1Taken, slightly edited, from a discourse on Romans 3:20 in Alexander’s Practical Sermons.