Sin, if not consciously resisted at its first appearance, grows through repeated practice into a dominating way of life. Its persistent desire works like a slave crouched at the door of the heart, ready to spring into action and increase iniquity upon iniquity whenever it receives any compliance. Over time this process transforms a person into a master of sin, wise to do evil while lacking knowledge or ability to do good. Scripture depicts sin itself as a living, active power that reigns, deceives, and brings its practitioners into captivity, so that whoever commits sin becomes its slave. Even after conversion the same power continues to struggle for its former dominion, warring against the mind and seeking to retain control over the members of the body. Because the effects of sin are often delayed and not immediately visible, those who live by sight rather than faith easily ignore its accumulating damage until it thoroughly dominates attitudes, thoughts, words, and conduct. The only remedy presented is to rule over sin from the outset by repenting at once and refusing its sway, thereby allowing God to eradicate its influence and produce the perfect righteousness revealed in Jesus Christ.