Still, to uproot sin and the evil that is so imbedded in our sinning can be done only by divine power, for it is impossible and outside man’s competence to uproot sin. To struggle, yes, to continue to fight, to inflict blows, and to receive setbacks is in your power. To uproot, however, belongs to God alone. If you could have done it on your own, what would have been the need for the coming of the Lord? For just as an eye cannot see without light, nor can one speak without a tongue, nor hear without ears, nor walk without feet, nor carry on works without hands, so you cannot be saved without Jesus nor enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Suppose you say: “I do not outwardly corrupt myself by fornication or adultery nor do I commit the crime of avarice, therefore it follows that I am justified.” You are completely off the mark in such thinking that you have perfectly fulfilled everything. There are not just three categories of sin against which one must guard oneself, but the number is legion. Arrogance, presumption, unbelief, hatred, envy, deceit, hypocrisy, where do these come from? Are you not obligated to war against these in your inner thoughts? If a robber invades your house, are you not at once greatly distressed? He does not allow you to be freed from anxious worries. You begin to fight back against him. You exchange blows. So ought also the soul to strike back, to resist, to strike blow for blow.
A soul like this, if it seriously seeks aid and strength, will obtain it and will be considered worthy of redemption. The contest and battle is one of equal forces. Let us glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.