The Diagnosis and the Cure

Romans 5:12 (NIV)
¹² Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned--

The Doctor comes with the diagnosis.  It's not the one we had hoped for.  We have an inherited heart condition.  Its symptoms include sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. (Galatians 5:20-21).  Sometimes the symptoms are subtle.  Other times they flair up in a big way.  Nonetheless they are there and they just don't go away.

We can hide the symptoms sometimes when we need to.  We really don't want people to know our heart condition.  If only we can keep this disease under control we'll be all right.  But as the Doctor has told us, if this disease is left untreated, it is fatal.

But wait!  The Doctor has good news too!  This disease is treatable.  In fact you can be better than new!  The disease does not have to consume you.  If you accept the Doctor's treatment and follow the Doctor's orders your life can be more productive than you could ever imagine.  Under the Doctor's care He can produce in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

Romans 6:23 (NIV)
²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Praise God!  He has provided us with the Great Physician.