Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical theology, the term "natures" often refers to the inherent characteristics or qualities that define the essence of beings, particularly in relation to God, humanity, and the created order. The concept of natures is pivotal in understanding the biblical narrative, especially concerning the nature of God, the dual nature of Christ, and the nature of humanity.Nature of God The Bible presents God as having a unique and divine nature, characterized by attributes such as holiness, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This declaration underscores God's holiness as a fundamental aspect of His nature. Additionally, God's nature is unchanging, as stated in Malachi 3:6, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." Dual Nature of Christ A central tenet of Christian theology is the belief in the dual nature of Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. This doctrine is rooted in passages such as John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Philippians 2:6-7, stating, "Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." These verses affirm the coexistence of Christ's divine and human natures, a mystery that is central to the Christian faith. Nature of Humanity The Bible describes humanity as created in the image of God, possessing a unique nature that reflects certain divine attributes. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This imago Dei endows humans with inherent dignity and worth. However, the fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, introduced sin into human nature, resulting in a propensity toward sin and separation from God. Romans 3:23 declares, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," highlighting the fallen nature of humanity. Regeneration and New Nature The New Testament speaks of a transformation in human nature through the process of regeneration, made possible by faith in Jesus Christ. This new nature is characterized by a renewed mind and spirit. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation is further emphasized in Ephesians 4:22-24, which instructs believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Nature of Creation The Bible also addresses the nature of the created order, which reflects God's glory and power. Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Creation is seen as inherently good, as God pronounced it "very good" in Genesis 1:31. However, the fall has subjected creation to futility and decay, as described in Romans 8:20-22, which speaks of creation's eager expectation for liberation from its bondage to corruption. In summary, the concept of natures in the Bible encompasses the divine nature of God, the dual nature of Christ, the fallen and regenerated nature of humanity, and the nature of the created order. These themes are integral to understanding the biblical worldview and the relationship between God, humanity, and creation. Library On Rational Natures. Concerning the Number of the Natures. How the Natures of Men are not So Fixed from the First, but that ... Whether the Union of the Two Natures in Christ is the Greatest of ... Of the Number of Natures in the Manich??an Fiction. That in all Natures, of Every Kind and Rank, God is Glorified. July the Twenty-Ninth Names and Natures Manich??us Places Five Natures in the Region of Darkness. Concerning Christ's Two Natures, in Opposition to those who Hold ... "In Christ Our Two Natures are United" Thesaurus Natures (12 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Natures (12 Occurrences). ... For our lives are regulated not by our earthly, but by our spiritual natures. (WEY). ... /n/natures.htm - 10k Lower (72 Occurrences) Cravings (17 Occurrences) Earthly (39 Occurrences) Nature (80 Occurrences) Original (6 Occurrences) Governed (8 Occurrences) Indulge (12 Occurrences) Inclinations (3 Occurrences) Indulging (4 Occurrences) Resources Does Christ have two natures? | GotQuestions.orgDoes a Christian have two natures? | GotQuestions.org What is monophysitism? What is Eutychianism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Natures (12 Occurrences)Acts 14:15 Romans 7:5 Romans 8:4 Romans 8:5 Romans 8:12 Galatians 5:13 Galatians 5:16 Galatians 5:19 Ephesians 2:3 Colossians 2:23 Titus 3:5 1 Peter 2:11 Subtopics Select Readings: Nature's Testimony Related Terms |
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