For various reasons, some preachers avoid addressing the issue of sin. Perhaps they are concerned that they might offend people. If a physician fails to give a clear diagnosis, he is not helping the patient. Perhaps some ministers avoid talking about sin to encourage rather than discourage. People do indeed need encouragement, but they also need forgiveness. “Christ died for our sins,” not to enhance our self-esteem. (1 Cor. 15:3) People need an accurate diagnosis of their true spiritual condition in order that they might seek the necessary remedy.

Recently, I noticed my vision becoming gradually, increasingly obstructed. It seemed as if a shade was being pulled down, blocking the sight in my right eye. Each day this shade was a little lower. Thankfully, I was able to see an ophthalmologist who quickly diagnosed the problem. I had a torn and detached retina.

An accurate diagnosis is a vital part of medical treatment. But by itself it is insufficient. I needed a remedy. The ophthalmologist referred my case to a retinal specialist. However, the referral was initially rejected. For a few days I had a diagnosis of an urgent problem with no means of treating the condition.

I once heard a preacher deliver a sermon entitled, “Doctor Law and Doctor Grace.” He explained that many people have the mistaken idea that obeying the law of God – the commands and prohibitions found in the Bible – is the means of obtaining God’s favor and earning everlasting life. In his letter to the Romans the apostle Paul explained that this is not the case. The purpose of the law is to diagnose, not to cure. “Therefore, by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Rom. 3:20) The law identifies the sin problem we all have. For instance, if I am honest, when I read the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:3-17) I can come to only one conclusion – I am guilty. I may not have violated all the commandments equally, but I have violated them. Therefore, I cannot possibly hope to gain God’s favor and acceptance by keeping His law. I have broken His law. This is true for everyone – except for one person, Jesus Christ.

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