Who is the natural man? Definition and Basic Description In many biblical passages, the phrase “natural man” refers to one who remains in an unregenerate state, devoid of the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit. This state is characterized by a worldview and behavior that rely solely on the individual’s natural instincts and the limitations of human reasoning. The Berean Standard Bible captures this vividly in 1 Corinthians 2:14: “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God…”. Such an individual may be highly intelligent, morally mindful by societal standards, or even spiritually curious. However, the defining feature here is the lack of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, which is essential for understanding and embracing genuine spiritual truth. The concept of the “natural man” is foundational for understanding human behavior, anthropology, and the necessity of spiritual rebirth. It underscores humanity’s need for divine intervention and redemption in order to transcend mere earthly pursuits and gain eternal significance. Biblical Background and Terminology 1. Old Testament Roots While the exact term “natural man” does not appear in the Hebrew Scriptures, numerous passages allude to humanity’s inherent tendency to stray from God’s requirements. For example, in Psalm 51:5, the psalmist laments, “Surely I was brought forth in iniquity…”. This points to the inclination toward sin, which fits with what later passages in the New Testament identify as life lived in the flesh rather than in the Spirit. Also, archaeological findings from sites like Tel Dan, Khirbet Qeiyafa, and others have helped confirm the historical veracity of these Old Testament narratives, lending credibility to the context in which the concept of human sin and separation from God arises. 2. New Testament Usage In the Greek of the New Testament, the word often translated as “natural” (psychikos) conveys a sense of belonging to the soul or the earthly human nature, lacking the indwelling Spirit of God. This terminology emerges most emphatically in Paul’s letters (1 Corinthians 2:14; Jude 1:19). The same distinction is employed to highlight that only those who are spiritually enlightened (“spiritual man”) can truly grasp the depth of God’s revealed truths. Characteristics of the Natural Man 1. Resistance to Spiritual Truth Scripture identifies the natural man as one who finds the gospel and spiritual matters foolish (1 Corinthians 2:14). Such resistance stems from the absence of the Holy Spirit’s illumination, which softens the heart and opens the mind to truth. This is not primarily a matter of intelligence but of spiritual perception. 2. Life Directed by Fleshly Desires Galatians 5:19–21 describes the “works of the flesh,” listing behaviors such as sexual immorality, idolatry, and envy. These behaviors typify the lifestyle of the person governed by the flesh, rather than led by the Spirit. Scientific studies in behavioral science can observe how certain impulses drive decision-making and moral reasoning, reinforcing the biblical notion that, without external (divine) influence, individuals default to self-serving tendencies. 3. Unawareness of Eternal Realities Ecclesiastes 3:11 affirms that God has “set eternity in their hearts,” yet the natural man often remains unaware of the eternal significance of daily decisions. The hustle of life, combined with finite human reasoning, keeps many from recognizing their true spiritual need, even when archaeological and historical evidences point to biblical reliability. Why the Natural Man Cannot Understand Spiritual Realities 1. Lack of the Holy Spirit No matter how well-versed someone is in theology or philosophy, Scripture underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit for transformation. Ephesians 1:13–14 describes the Spirit as a “guarantee” of our inheritance. Without the Spirit, there is no inward renewal or opening of the eyes to divine truths. 2. Spiritual Truth Requires Spiritual Discernment A parallel from modern-day examples of complexity can illuminate this point. Just as advanced concepts in quantum physics or molecular biology exceed the grasp of someone without the right foundation, so too spiritual truths remain concealed to those lacking the Spirit’s influence. Discoveries in genetics and biochemistry reveal intricacies suggesting design, paralleling the need for “eyes to see” this intelligent design behind creation. Similarly, spiritual realities require inner illumination. Implications of Remaining in the Natural State 1. Separation from God The natural man remains at odds with God, unable to please Him (Romans 8:6–8). This separation is not a minor rift but a fundamental chasm requiring the reconciling work of Christ’s death and resurrection. 2. Moral and Spiritual Blindness Despite any sincere attempts at moral living or philanthropic efforts, Scripture maintains that no one can achieve true righteousness by mere human effort (Romans 3:23). The moral code of the natural man may align with cultural ethics but lacks the spiritual core that glorifies God. 3. Eternal Consequences John 3:18 warns that the one who does not believe in the name of God’s only begotten Son “has already been judged…”. The natural man, by remaining outside of Christ’s salvific work, faces eternal judgment. Many manuscript discoveries, including early papyrus fragments, uphold these critical teachings as consistent in the text of the New Testament, supporting the gravity of these warnings. Transformation from the Natural to the Spiritual 1. The Role of Regeneration Conversion involves more than adopting new ideas or moral guidelines. It is a supernatural event in which the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual life (John 3:5–8) upon someone who trusts in the resurrected Christ. Historical and factual arguments (such as those detailed in sources like Josephus’s writings or early extra-biblical Christian documents) corroborate the resurrection narrative, giving a rational foundation for faith in Christ. 2. Faith in the Resurrected Christ The resurrection is not an optional add-on to Christian faith; it is indispensable for salvation (Romans 10:9). Extensive research and historical ventilations—backed by manuscript evidence, archaeological findings around Jerusalem, and even modern legal-historical analyses—fortify the claim that Jesus rose bodily from the dead. Only by turning away from our self-reliance and trusting in that resurrected Christ can the natural man become a new creation. 3. Living by the Spirit Those who receive the Holy Spirit’s power begin to exhibit fruit that contrasts sharply with the behaviors of the natural man (Galatians 5:22–23). This transformation entails adopting a new worldview that acknowledges God as Creator, recognizes the young-earth timeline upheld by various scholars and geological inquiries, and orients life’s purpose toward glorifying God. Conclusion “The natural man” stands in stark contrast to the one transformed by the Holy Spirit. Beyond mere moral improvement, leaving behind the natural condition requires a spiritual rebirth—rooted in the redemptive work of Christ, validated by the historical authenticity and manuscript reliability of Scripture, and empowered by the personal presence of God’s Spirit. Anyone questioning their standing before God can take heart. Scripture affirms the path from darkness into marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). It is an invitation out of the natural state and into the fullness of life only found in the risen Christ. |
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