What happens when God's law confronts the old Adam?
When God's law confronts old Adam, the polished exterior is stripped away, and his true nature is exposed. Even a well-dressed old Adam cannot withstand the Holy Spirit and Word of God hitting where it hurts; the veneer flies off. This exposure is necessary to leave darkness and enter the Gospel's light.
Les explains that old Adam can be made to look good on the outside, just as a show horse can be prepared for parades and horse shows. But when the Holy Spirit and the Word of God—the Law of God—hit old Adam where it hurts, he explodes and shows his true nature. The veneer flies off, and he is seen for what he really is. Les says this must happen if a person is to come out of darkness and into the light of the Gospel. Then Romans 8:8 is quoted: those in the flesh cannot please God, but believers are not in the flesh.