From Corrupt Tree to New Creation: The Power of Grace

From Corrupt Tree to New Creation: The Power of Grace
“Every unregenerate man does nothing but sin … an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth evil.” (Matthew 7:17; Romans 8:7) - Edward Leigh
There is a profound truth in Scripture that we often overlook: sin is not just about what we do, but about who we are apart from Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:17 that a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. In other words, a person who is spiritually dead cannot produce anything that is truly good in the sight of God. The Apostle Paul reinforces this in Romans 8:7, saying that “the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” The problem with fallen man is not merely his actions, but his very nature. He does not just commit sins—he is, by nature, a sinner.
Some may ask, “But what about those who do good things? Are there not many unbelievers who live morally upright lives, who are kind, charitable, and even self-sacrificing?” From a human perspective, yes. God’s common grace allows even those outside of Christ to live in a way that outwardly appears good. But Scripture teaches us that true goodness is not defined by external deeds alone but by the heart’s motivation and alignment with God’s will. Proverbs 16:2 says, “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.” A deed may look righteous to men, but if it does not flow from faith and love for God, it is still tainted by sin. This is why Romans 14:23 tells us, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
A man may give generously to charity, but if his motivation is to earn recognition, feel good about himself, or secure his own reputation, his giving is not truly good before God. Another may live a disciplined, moral life, avoiding scandalous sins, but if he does so out of pride or self-righteousness, rather than a love for God, his morality is nothing but filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Before conversion, we cannot truly resist sin—we can only exchange one sin for another. One may turn from immorality to self-discipline, but if his heart is still ruled by self-love instead of love for God, he has merely traded one form of rebellion for another.
This truth brings us to a sobering realization: we cannot change ourselves. Just as a stone cannot soften itself, neither can the natural heart turn to God. No matter how hard we try to reform, we remain enslaved to sin. The solution is not more effort, more morality, or more discipline—the only hope is grace. Jesus does not come to make bad people better; He comes to make dead people alive. He tells Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). The change that we need is not external but internal—a new heart, a new nature, and new affections. Only God can give this.
How then should we respond? First, we must humble ourselves and acknowledge our total dependence on God’s mercy. If we could do even one good thing on our own, we would have something to boast about—but Scripture reminds us that salvation is by grace alone so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Second, we must pray earnestly, “Turn us, O Lord, and we shall be turned” (Lamentations 5:21). It is not enough to be outwardly moral; we must be transformed from within by the power of the Holy Spirit. And third, we must trust wholly in Christ. The Gospel is not a message of self-improvement; it is the glorious news that Christ has done for us what we could never do for ourselves.
Take comfort in this: if you are in Christ, you are no longer a corrupt tree. You have been made new. Though the remnants of sin remain, the Spirit is at work in you, enabling you to bear fruit that is truly pleasing to God (John 15:5). You were once bound to sin, unable to do anything good, but now you are free to glorify God in all that you do. This is the power of grace—it does not merely help us; it rescues, transforms, and renews us. Praise be to God for His indescribable gift!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess that apart from You, I can do nothing truly good. My heart, by nature, is corrupt, and without Your grace, I remain enslaved to sin. But You, in Your mercy, have given new life through Christ. Lord, renew my heart daily. Let me not trust in my own righteousness but cling only to Your grace. May Your Spirit produce in me a life that truly pleases You, for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.