Is the Bible Sufficient to Bring About Change in a Person?

October, 2002

by: Jeff Jones

There are many theories out there concerning how a person behaves and functions. Freud assumed that human behavior has a relationship with how our mothers treated us. Rogers believed that human problems are related to the fact that we do not reach our full potential. Skinner thought that humans are just a bunch of animals. Some so–called “Christian” counselors believe that our problems relate to the fact that our deepest need is not met — namely the need to be loved. Others think that behavior is a result of chemical imbalance. All these however, are wrong assumptions about the human condition. If you start with the wrong assumption about a problem, it inevitably leads to wrong solutions. If our environment is our problem, then change the environment. If all people need is love, then make people feel loved. If chemical imbalance is our problem, then give people drugs (e.g., Prozac for depressed people). The question we need to ask is: Do these suggested solutions do anything to change a person's heart? The answer is an obvious no.

What is the solution then? First we need to start with a right presupposition about the human condition. Our problem is not lack of love and security, wrong environment, bad parenting, etc.; our problem is that we are lifeless sinners in need of a total heart transformation and forgiveness through Christ. Only when we start with this presupposition about our condition, can we offer any right solution. The Bible has all the answers we need. Psalm 19:7 says the Scripture is able to restore the soul. Psalm 119:1 says that walking according to the Scripture leads to a blameless life. 2 Peter 1:3 says that in the Scripture we have everything pertaining to life and godliness.

As Christians we need not look to the world to tell us about our condition, we need to look to our Creator.