Romans 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.
Even though no one is coerced to do evil, the Bible would have us understand that sin became deeply ingrained at the fall, to the point that it can bypass choice and run along all by itself in automatic mode. This sacred truth is to be understood by Laodicea in particular, if we are to come to grips with our dire need of Christ. If folks were to conclude that sin can only occur through conscious choice then we would most likely lean heavily on good behavior as a form of righteousness.
But if we were to understand, as the Bible says, that a DNA problem is also involved, then we would see our utter hopelessness, except we are redeemed in and through Christ. The rich young ruler in Christ’s day relied heavily on behaviors, for he asked what good thing he could do to inherit eternal life.
In response, Jesus told the young man to keep the commandments, the answer that he was actually looking for, since good behavior was right up his alley. Thus, he responded with these words: “What lack I yet” meaning, that in addition to what I have been doing, is there something I could add to the list?
Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!