For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
ROMANS 7:14-25 KJV.
Today, we shall explore the complex and profound topic of Sin As Nature or The Seed of The Flesh. The understanding of this concept lies at the heart of an understanding of human nature, struggles, and redemption.
The biblical account of the fall in Genesis 3 reveals how sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Man’s nature was corrupted, making us prone to sin and rebellious against God.
The concept of sin as nature refers to the inherent sinful tendencies and desires that are present in human beings from birth. This idea is rooted in the biblical account of the fall of humanity in Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve’s disobedience introduced sin into the world. The Seed of The Flesh represents this inherent sinful nature, passed down through generations.
Principally, this state of being manifests sin as an inherent part of human nature, a natural tendency that arises from our innate desires, impulses, and weaknesses. According to this reality, humans are born with a propensity for selfishness, pride, and rebellion, which are sinful behaviours, that are inevitably byproducts of the original sin of Adam & Eve.
Doctrinally speaking, Sin As Nature must also be treated as an isolated academic exposition of the Ugly Reality of Sin, a premise background article well-articulated here: SIN EXPOSED! – A GRAPHICAL INSIGHT INTO THE UGLY REALITY OF SIN.
The ongoing article will juxtapose Sin – The Nature versus Sin – The Nurture, the next article, in our attempt to understand the true substance of sin as an operant device of disobedience found in the singularity of our personality and the multitude of our humanity.
Arguments In Favour Of Sin As Nature
- The Universality of Sin: All humans have sinned, regardless of their upbringing or environment.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” – Romans 3:23 KJV. - The Persistence of Sin: Despite efforts to overcome sin, it remains a recurring struggle throughout human history.
“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”
– Romans 7:19 KJV. - The Biblical Account: The Christian Bible teaches that sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, corrupting human nature.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” – Romans 5:12-14 KJV.
In Christian theology, this idea is often traced back to Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, which in turn, corrupted human nature and introduced sin into the world. This corruption is seen as a seed that has been passed down through generations, manifesting in various forms of sin and rebellion against God.
The apostle Paul writes about this in Romans 5:12-19 and 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, highlighting how sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience and has affected all humanity. He also speaks of the flesh (or sinful nature) as a force that wars against the Spirit and seeks to separate us from God.
This sinful nature manifests in various ways, as listed in Galatians 5:19-21: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, and revelries.
This understanding of sin as the seed of the flesh has implications for our understanding of human nature, morality, and redemption. It suggests that sin is not just an external action, but an internal inclination that requires a deep transformation through God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.
This understanding of sin as the nature or seed of the flesh highlights our need for redemption and transformation through God’s grace in Yeshua. Our sinful nature separates us from God, but through faith in Yeshua’s sacrifice, we can be reconciled to Him and receive a new nature, created in Christ Jesus [2 Corinthians 5:17].
David’s psalm of repentance in Psalm 51:5 acknowledges his sinful nature from birth, emphasizing the depth of human corruption.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Psalm 51:5 KJV.
This nature is described in various biblical passages:
Genesis 3:15 – The seed of the woman (Christ) will crush the seed of the serpent (Satan).
Romans 5:12-19 – Through Adam’s sin, death and sin entered the world, affecting all humanity.
Galatians 5:19-21 – The works of the flesh include sinful desires and behaviours.
Psalm 51:5 – David acknowledges his sinful nature from birth.
This understanding of sin as the nature or seed of the flesh highlights the depth of human corruption and our need for redemption and transformation through God’s grace in Yeshua.
Let’s delve deeper into the concept of sin as the seed of the flesh, exploring its various aspects:
Original Sin:
– The biblical account of Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3).
– The corruption of human nature and the introduction of sin into the world.
– The concept of federal headship (Adam representing humanity).
Nature of the Flesh:
– The flesh as a spiritual entity that opposes God (Romans 8:7-8).
– The fleshly desires and tendencies that lead to sin (Galatians 5:19-21).
– The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit (Romans 7:14-25).
Implications for Humanity:
– The universal nature of sin and its effects on humanity (Romans 3:23, 5:12-19).
– The inherent sinful tendencies and desires that we are born with.
– The need for redemption and salvation through God’s grace.
Implications for Redemption:
– The necessity of spiritual rebirth and regeneration (John 3:3-7).
– The work of the Holy Spirit in transforming our nature and desires.
– The process of sanctification and growth in holiness.
Consequences of Sin:
– Spiritual death and separation from God (Romans 6:23).
– Physical death and corruption (Genesis 3:19, Romans 5:12-14).
– The curse on creation and the natural world (Genesis 3:17-18).
The Role of God’s Grace:
– The provision of salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:15-21).
– The gift of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
– The transformative power of grace in overcoming sin and its effects.
According to Paul, the flesh (or sinful nature) is a spiritual entity that drives us to sin and rebel against God. He writes about the flesh as a force that:
– Craves selfish desires (Galatians 5:16-17).
– Produces sinful behaviors (Galatians 5:19-21).
– Leads us away from God’s wisdom (Romans 7:14-25).
– Needs to be crucified and put to death (Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:24).
The flesh is not just our physical body, but a spiritual reality that influences our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It is the part of us that wants to control, manipulate, and gratify ourselves, often at the expense of others and our relationship with God.
This understanding of sin as the work of the flesh has significant implications for our understanding of morality, redemption, and spiritual growth. It highlights the need for a deep, inner transformation through God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit, rather than just external behavioural changes.
Let us recognize the seed of the flesh at work in our lives and surrender to God’s transformative power. May we walk in the Spirit, bearing fruit of righteousness and holiness, and reflecting the love and grace of our Lord Yeshua.
May God bless us with wisdom and understanding as we explore the next of this crucial topic. Amen.
