By Prophet John Tunke Bisina
TEXTS: Romans 3:9–23; 6:23
ANY meaningful discussion on salvation must begin with a sober and unflinching assessment of why salvation is necessary. The beauty of redemption only shines in its full brilliance when set against the dark backdrop of man’s fallen condition. Until we grasp the depth of humanity’s ruin, we will never truly value the magnitude of God’s remedy.
In the writings of the Apostle Paul, humanity is not presented as morally neutral or merely imperfect, but as fundamentally fallen and spiritually bankrupt. Sin, in Scripture, is not a surface defect–it is a pervasive disease. It is universal in its reach, internal in its operation, and fatal in its outcome. Consequently, until sin is properly diagnosed, salvation will inevitably be undervalued. Many treat salvation lightly because they have not reckoned seriously with the gravity of sin. Yet the biblical record makes it clear: the problem of sin is so severe that it required nothing less than the sacrificial death of Christ to provide a cure.
Paul, therefore, unfolds the ruin of humanity through three profound and revealing realities. First, we encounter the universality of sin–a common condition. Scripture declares unequivocally, “For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin” (Romans 3:9). This indictment leaves no room for exception. Sin is not confined to a particular class, culture, or category of people; it encompasses all humanity. Whether religious or irreligious, moral or immoral, every individual stands under the dominion of sin. Paul reinforces this truth further: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God’s standard is not relative goodness but absolute perfection, and by that standard, all have failed. Even more striking is the verdict: “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Righteousness is not native to man–it is entirely absent. Thus, sin is universal in scope; it affects every person without exception.
Second, Paul exposes the ungodliness of the heart–a corrupt condition. Sin is not merely what man does; it is what man is. It originates from within before it manifests without. As the Scripture describes, “Their throat is an open tomb… with their tongues they have practiced deceit” (Romans 3:13). The imagery is vivid and unsettling–revealing that the corruption within the heart expresses itself through speech and behavior. Moreover, the mind and the will are not exempt from this corruption: “There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God” (Romans 3:11). Man, left to himself, neither comprehends divine truth nor pursues divine fellowship. This is not merely a failure of action but a failure of nature and inclination. From thoughts to words, from intentions to actions, the entirety of human life is permeated by sin (Romans 3:13–18). Sin, therefore, is internal–it is a deep-rooted corruption rather than a superficial flaw.
Third, Paul presents the unavoidable judgment–a condemning consequence. Sin does not merely exist; it incurs guilt and demands judgment. The Scripture states, “that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God” (Romans 3:19). Humanity stands silent before divine justice, stripped of every excuse and defense. The consequence of sin is then stated with sobering clarity: “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). This death is not limited to physical mortality; it encompasses spiritual separation from God and culminates in eternal judgment. Importantly, no human effort can remedy this condition. “By the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20). Moral striving, religious observance, and human discipline cannot reverse spiritual ruin. Sin, therefore, is fatal–it leads inevitably to judgment and death.
In summary, the condition of humanity, as presented by Paul, is one of total ruin. Sin is universal in its scope, internal in its nature, and fatal in its consequence. This leaves man in a state of desperate need–not for improvement, but for divine intervention; not for reform, but for redemption.
Until this reality is fully grasped, the message of salvation may appear optional or secondary. But when rightly understood, it becomes urgent and indispensable. For only when we see how far man has fallen can we truly appreciate how far God has gone to save him.
This naturally leads us forward. If sin reveals the depth of humanity’s ruin, then the next consideration must unveil the height of God’s remedy–the love of God and the provision of salvation.
…Delivered during the Tuesday Scripture Exposition Service at the OLD TIME POWER CHURCH on May 12, 2026. Subscribe to our Youtube channel@Oldtimepowerchurch, follow us on Facebook.com/Old Time Power Church, and visit our website:oldtimepowerchurch.org.
