"Sin" Part 2

Ryle continues in the chapter with two more aspects of sin--the origin and the extent.

1) Origin of sin: Sin, of course, does not originate from without--bad companions, poor training by parents, etc. "...It is a family disease, which we all inherit from our first parents, Adam and Eve." Ryle reminds us that the precious newborn babe which the mother so dearly calls and "angel" or "innocent" is in actuality a little "sinner." (See Rom. 5:12, John 3:6, Eph. 2:3, Rom. 8:7, and Mark 7:21 as examples.)

2) The extent of sin: Ryle addresses the pervasiveness of sin in our beings. Every part of us is affected--the "understanding, the affections, the reasoning powers, the will." "The disease my be veiled under a thin covering of our courtesy, good manners, and outward decorum; but it lies deep down in the constitution."

He next addresses the contrast between the amazing accomplishments of man in the arts, sciences, and literature with the spiritual death so apparent in his "abominable vices" and other manifestations of depravity. This contrast simply "brings out into sharper relief the truth and extent of the Fall." He paints a vivid picture of this with the following description.

"We can acknowledge that man has all the marks of a majestic temple about him--a temple in which God once dwelt, but a temple which is now in utter ruins--a temple in which a shattered window here, and a doorway there, and a column there, still give some faint idea of the magnificence of the original design, but a temple which from end to end has lost its glory and fallen from its high estate."

He reminds us that sin transcends geographical location. Every man, everywhere is affected by this "universal disease of mankind."

Finally, he states that one of the greatest proofs of the "extent and power of sin is the pertinacity with which it cleaves to man even after he is converted and has become the subject of the Holy Ghost's operations." (AMEN to that!) Sin no longer has DOMINION over the regenerate, for it is "checked, controlled, mortified, and crucified by the expulsive power of the new principle of grace." The believer lives a victorious life, but he fights a DAILY struggle between flesh and spirit, testifying to the "enormous power and vitality of sin."

Ryle explains that the believer who understands this power of sin will rejoice in Christ, have no confidence in the flesh, and give thanks to God for giving us the victory, all the while never forgetting "to watch and pray lest he fall into tempation."

~Queen Mom