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The Two Natures of the Believer
1 John 3:6-9: "No one born of God practices sin...he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
A Summary for Personal Study
Constitutional Doctrine: Every saved person possesses two natures—the old (oriented to sin) and the new (oriented to God)—with victory provided through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
The Question: If I am eternally secure, why do I still struggle with sin?
The Answer: Security is your position. Sanctification is your practice. Two natures coexist in the believer until glorification.
THE TWO NATURES EXPLAINED
| Aspect | The Old Nature | The New Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The fallen orientation toward sin and self | The regenerated capacity oriented toward God |
| Status | Judicially dead to sin’s authority | Indwelt by the Holy Spirit |
| Present? Yes | Still capable of influence | Growing in dominance |
| Removed When? | At glorification | Perfected at glorification |
KEY SCRIPTURAL TEXTS
- Galatians 5:16-17: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
- Romans 6:6-7: “Our old self was crucified with Him…he who has died is freed from sin.”
- Romans 8:12-13: “By the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
- Ephesians 4:22-24: “Put off the old self…put on the new self, created in righteousness and holiness.”
- 1 John 3:6-9: “No one born of God practices sin…he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”
WHAT VICTORY LOOKS LIKE
Victory is not:
- Eradication of the old nature (unscriptural)
- Instant perfection (impossible in this life)
- Absence of temptation (ongoing reality)
Victory is:
- Spirit-empowered alignment with the new nature
- Habitual choice to obey the Spirit
- Progressive transformation toward Christ’s image
- The guarantee that the Spirit’s power exceeds the flesh’s pull
TWO MISAPPLICATIONS TO AVOID
License: “If I cannot lose salvation, I can sin freely.” — False. Security means your destiny is safe, not that present choices are consequence-free.
Perfectionism: “If I still sin, I must not be saved.” — False. Struggle proves the new nature exists. Perfection comes at glorification, not conversion.
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IN ONE SENTENCE
You are secure in your position, transformed in your practice, and destined for perfection—made possible by the Spirit who indwells you now.
THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE
- Identify a temptation you face regularly.
- When it arises, pause and acknowledge: The old nature is active, but the new nature is also present.
- Call on the Spirit: “Holy Spirit, align my will with the new nature. Give me power to choose obedience.”
- Walk through the victory: Make the choice to obey. Notice the Spirit’s strengthening.
- Reflect: What does it tell you about yourself that you can experience this victory?
FINAL THOUGHT
“Dead men do not fight. The very conflict you feel is proof of life. The very battle you wage is evidence that the Holy Spirit has done His regenerating work.”