4 Nov 2026
The Need for Diagnosis
I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law (Romans 7:7).
Someone once said, "The trouble is that we do not know the trouble that we are in. Therefore, the solutions do not work."
When we have trouble with our car we take it to the mechanic, we tell her what the symptoms are, and we expect her to tell us what the problem is and how to fix it; she's the expert. The same process happens when we go to our doctor. We describe the symptoms and the doctor checks us out. Hopefully, he makes a diagnosis and offers a course of treatment that will restore our health.
If the diagnosis and prescription are correct things look good for our car and for ourselves. But if the wrong assessment is made, the trouble multiplies.
In the early 1900s, there was hope that humanity would overcome disease and war and poverty. We have learned to heal some diseases but are far less capable in reducing war and poverty. Many fear we are in deep trouble. But what is the problem?
Prescribing a cure before the illness has been diagnosed is the height of foolishness. Yet this is what we humans often do. But who can make a diagnosis? How do we know what is wrong with us? Or, as the Heidelberg Catechism asks, "How do we come to know our misery?"
Oh, we can describe our misery. Writers and filmmakers frequently and eloquently depict our misery. The daily news and real-life TV shows give us haunting stories of human bondage. But we, of ourselves, cannot find the source of our misery.
The Catechism says simply, "the law of God tells me." We do not realize our problem comes from hearts rebellious towards God. Unless the Holy Spirit convicts us of our waywardness, we will keep looking for our own solutions and keep failing.
Why? Mostly because, sin almost always tastes and feels great in the moment. But it later settles and poisons us. We all know this: food, alcohol and sex are all enjoyed by many. But in the wrong places and in the wrong amounts then begin to control us and destroy us. God puts it this way, "But am I the one they are provoking? Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?" (Jeremiah 7:19).
Sin is certainly against God. It is often against others. And even against creation. But, very often, sin is best understood as us doing self-harm, undermining our own flourishing, and doing great damage to the image that God has given to us. Above all, sin is self-subversion.
It takes create humility to admit our failure. Only when the law of God is accepted do we come to understand our problem. It shows us how much help we need. And when we begin to look for help, we discover that the law giver is right here, ready to help. The law induces guilt, true. But then it urges us on to Jesus, who is the solution to the human problem.
As you journey on, receive Jesus' invitation:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).
