As Christians, we often grapple with the idea of our spiritual identity and the nature of our being. A widely held belief suggests that believers have two conflicting natures within them: the flesh and the spirit. However, upon closer examination of the Scriptures, particularly the book of Romans, it becomes evident that this concept of dual natures may not align with the teachings of the Bible.
Romans 7:21-25 sheds light on the internal struggle that the Apostle Paul faced as a NONE BELIEVER. he desired to do what is right but found himself succumbing to sin. Many interpret this passage as evidence of the dual nature within believers, suggesting that Christians have both a sinful fleshly nature and a new spiritual nature. However, a careful analysis reveals a different understanding.
“So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:21-25
Note on verse 25 he says Thanks be to God who delivers me through Jesus Christ, meaning Christ change the dual nature scenario.
“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:9). These words by Paul emphasize the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian. According to this verse, if we have the Spirit of God within us, we are no longer identified with the flesh but with the Spirit.
When individuals accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they experience a profound transformation. The Holy Spirit takes up residence within them, leading to a fundamental change in their nature. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
The “new creation” refers to the born-again believer, whose old sinful nature has been crucified with Christ. The apostle Paul reinforces this concept in Galatians 2:20 when he states, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” This verse echoes the idea that the old self has been replaced by the indwelling presence of Christ, resulting in a singular nature that is aligned with the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to walk(believe in who you are) in the Spirit and live out their new identity in Christ. Galatians 5:16 instructs, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Here, the emphasis is on believing in who you are and you will naturally be anointed. This implies that the Christian nature is solely rooted in the Spirit and not divided between two opposing forces Jihad, which is what they would call it in Islam.
While the concept of dual natures within Christians has gained popularity, a thorough examination of biblical teachings, particularly in the book of Romans, reveals a different understanding. As believers, we are not divided between a sinful fleshly nature and a spiritual nature. Instead, through the work of the Holy Spirit, we have been transformed into a new creation, with our identity rooted in Christ and aligned with the Spirit. It is essential for Christians to embrace this truth and live out their faith, walking in the Spirit and experiencing the abundant life that Christ offers.
