There's a huge subject of debate in christian circles (and even secular psychology circles) about whether mankind is good or evil by nature. Is mankind a good being that's just capable of being corrupted? Or is mankind evil by nature and incapable of yearning for good?
This question is really a lot harder to answer than you would think. In this post, I'm just going to give you some things to think about when it comes to the nature of man. (When I say "man" or "mankind" in this post, I'm referring to humanity, both man and woman. Not just men.)
Most people come to one of two conclusions regarding the nature of man:
1. Man is created in the image of God, and therefore good by nature. Mankind is drawn to good and he doesn't have a sin nature.
2. Man is born with an inbred "sin nature" that causes man to gravitate toward sin, harm, and separation from what is good.
I would like to submit to you the idea that instead of having a "sin nature", mankind has a "choice nature." Mankind is a creature of choice. Humanity was created by God with a freewill. Therefore, mankind is capable of doing both the most beautiful act of good and the most horrendous act of evil imaginable. We have that choice. But as for what mankind wants, I believe that buried deep within the heart of every man, woman, and child is the desire to know our Maker and live in relationship with Him. Do we choose to do something stupid and wrong sometimes? Yes. Obviously. But I don't believe we desire to do wrong. Through His sacrifice, Jesus has given us a new nature! What we want to do now aligns with the heart of God: goodness, love, peace, and selflessness. Think about it! As a child of God, after you do something wrong, are you pleased with yourself? Do you feel like you've fulfilled the desire of your heart? NO. You feel sad. Because you don't want to do evil. You want to love God, IMPROVE your relationship with Him, and do what is beneficial. Why? Because you've been given a new nature by Jesus. The desires of your heart are now good.
Did you know that not all "flesh" talked about in scripture is evil? We as humans have a "flesh" that is not in opposition to good! The Greek word "sarx" represents a flesh that is not always evil in nature! Now yes, there is also a word in scripture for "flesh" (Greek word "sarkikos") that represents earthly, carnal desires. But I believe that carnal "flesh" can be killed by the new nature Jesus implants in us.
"That sounds accurate Seth, but what about BEFORE people choose to enter a relationship with Jesus and accept His Gift? Do people want to do evil before their nature has been made new?"
No. I personally don't believe so. I believe the heart of unbelievers is still to know their Father and connect with Him. I believe that the HEART of unbelievers is still to do what is right. They're heart is crying out for help, even if they're acting stupid. Deep down, their heart yearns to be with Jesus, because that is our true nature as humans. We yearn to commune with God and grow in intimacy with Him. God is teaching me that it's less about "good humans" and "bad humans" and more about "trying humans." Our nature is to know our Maker.
This question is really a lot harder to answer than you would think. In this post, I'm just going to give you some things to think about when it comes to the nature of man. (When I say "man" or "mankind" in this post, I'm referring to humanity, both man and woman. Not just men.)
Most people come to one of two conclusions regarding the nature of man:
1. Man is created in the image of God, and therefore good by nature. Mankind is drawn to good and he doesn't have a sin nature.
2. Man is born with an inbred "sin nature" that causes man to gravitate toward sin, harm, and separation from what is good.
I would like to submit to you the idea that instead of having a "sin nature", mankind has a "choice nature." Mankind is a creature of choice. Humanity was created by God with a freewill. Therefore, mankind is capable of doing both the most beautiful act of good and the most horrendous act of evil imaginable. We have that choice. But as for what mankind wants, I believe that buried deep within the heart of every man, woman, and child is the desire to know our Maker and live in relationship with Him. Do we choose to do something stupid and wrong sometimes? Yes. Obviously. But I don't believe we desire to do wrong. Through His sacrifice, Jesus has given us a new nature! What we want to do now aligns with the heart of God: goodness, love, peace, and selflessness. Think about it! As a child of God, after you do something wrong, are you pleased with yourself? Do you feel like you've fulfilled the desire of your heart? NO. You feel sad. Because you don't want to do evil. You want to love God, IMPROVE your relationship with Him, and do what is beneficial. Why? Because you've been given a new nature by Jesus. The desires of your heart are now good.
Did you know that not all "flesh" talked about in scripture is evil? We as humans have a "flesh" that is not in opposition to good! The Greek word "sarx" represents a flesh that is not always evil in nature! Now yes, there is also a word in scripture for "flesh" (Greek word "sarkikos") that represents earthly, carnal desires. But I believe that carnal "flesh" can be killed by the new nature Jesus implants in us.
"That sounds accurate Seth, but what about BEFORE people choose to enter a relationship with Jesus and accept His Gift? Do people want to do evil before their nature has been made new?"
No. I personally don't believe so. I believe the heart of unbelievers is still to know their Father and connect with Him. I believe that the HEART of unbelievers is still to do what is right. They're heart is crying out for help, even if they're acting stupid. Deep down, their heart yearns to be with Jesus, because that is our true nature as humans. We yearn to commune with God and grow in intimacy with Him. God is teaching me that it's less about "good humans" and "bad humans" and more about "trying humans." Our nature is to know our Maker.
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