Not Even One

Though our original human nature is one deeply imprinted by the holy hand of the Creator, it is from the beginning attacked by the power of sin ever present in the world.  Like water pushing against earth, it is an influence that has a pervasive wearing down power that distorts the unblemished original nature until it seems that there is nothing within us but sinful inclinations.  Of course, it is untrue.  Sin may obscure the original human nature within us, but it cannot eradicate it.    

Sin is such a powerful influence that it often seems we are  powerless to stand against it.  This is also true.  The influence of the power of sin can never be managed and handled through mere human strength or will.  Neither is there any law or rule designed by religious systems which can protect us, or deliver us once this destructive power begins to take root in our life.  The Apostle recognized this reality as he wrote,  "...both Jews and Greeks are under the power of sin; as it is written:  'There is no one who is righteous, not even one...' "  (Romans 3:9-10)  

As we yield in that first moment of temptation, the purity of the original human nature is marred in such a way that there is always something wrong between us and our Creator.  The sense of being in a right relationship with God is thus broken by the power of sin so that our hope of being right again with God is forever broken apart from some act of God which forgives, cleanses, and restores us to the condition of our beginning.  The act of God which brings about this miracle of grace is the Son among us who came for both the cross and the empty tomb.