Understanding the New Nature in Christ: Reconciling Old and New Natures

by A Mac

The theological concept that when we are born of God, we receive His nature but He does not immediately take away all of the old nature is a profound subject in Christian doctrine. This topic delves into the transformation that occurs at the moment of salvation and the subsequent lifelong process of sanctification. To fully grasp this, let's explore biblical teachings, supported by scriptures, that elucidate this dynamic reality.

The New Birth: Becoming a New Creation

When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they experience what the Bible calls the "new birth" or being "born again." This concept is primarily derived from Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in the book of John:

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3, NKJV)

This new birth signifies a spiritual rebirth, where the believer is transformed from the inside out. The Apostle Paul expands on this concept by describing believers as a new creation:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within the believer, imparting God's divine nature. This indwelling empowers believers to live a life that reflects God's character:

"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, NKJV)

The Holy Spirit acts as a guide, comforter, and source of strength, helping believers to live out their new identity in Christ.

The Persistence of the Old Nature

Despite receiving the new nature, believers continue to struggle with their old nature or sinful tendencies. Paul vividly describes this internal conflict in his letter to the Romans:

"For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me." (Romans 7:19-20, NKJV)

This dichotomy between the new and old nature is a common experience for Christians. While the new nature desires to please God, the old nature is still inclined toward sin.

The Process of Sanctification

Sanctification is the process by which believers are gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ. This is a lifelong journey that involves the progressive removal of the old nature and the cultivation of the new nature. Paul assures believers that God will complete this work:

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, NKJV)

Sanctification is both a divine work and a cooperative process. While it is ultimately God who sanctifies, believers are also called to actively participate by yielding to the Holy Spirit and obeying God's Word.

Walking in the Spirit

To overcome the old nature, believers are encouraged to walk in the Spirit. This means living under the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit rather than following the desires of the flesh:

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." (Galatians 5:16-17, NKJV)

Walking in the Spirit involves prayer, studying the Bible, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading.

The Role of God's Word

The Word of God plays a crucial role in the sanctification process. It reveals God's will, exposes sin, and provides guidance for righteous living:

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17, NKJV)

By meditating on and obeying God's Word, believers can grow in their new nature and resist the influence of the old nature.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is another essential element in overcoming the old nature. Through prayer, believers can seek God's help, strength, and wisdom to live according to their new identity in Christ:

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41, NKJV)

Praying for the filling of the Holy Spirit and for God's grace to resist temptation is vital in the sanctification journey.

Christian Community and Accountability

Being part of a Christian community provides support and accountability, which are crucial for spiritual growth. Fellow believers can offer encouragement, correction, and prayers, helping one another to stay on the path of righteousness:

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NKJV)

Accountability partners or small groups can provide a safe environment for sharing struggles and victories, fostering maturity in Christ.

The Ultimate Victory: Glorification

The struggle between the old and new natures will continue throughout the believer's life. However, there is a promised future when believers will be completely free from sin and fully transformed into Christ's likeness. This future state is known as glorification:

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2, NKJV)

Glorification will occur when Christ returns, and believers receive their resurrected, glorified bodies.

Practical Steps for Living Out the New Nature

  1. Daily Surrender: Each day, consciously surrender to God's will and seek His guidance through prayer and reading the Bible.
  2. Renew Your Mind: Continually renew your mind with God's Word to align your thoughts with God's truth (Romans 12:2).
  3. Confess and Repent: Regularly confess sins and repent, trusting in God's forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9).
  4. Practice Spiritual Disciplines: Engage in spiritual disciplines such as fasting, meditation, and worship to draw closer to God.
  5. Seek Fellowship: Be actively involved in a church community and build relationships with other believers for mutual encouragement and accountability.
  6. Serve Others: Demonstrate the love of Christ by serving others and using your spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ (1 Peter 4:10).
  7. Be Alert: Stay vigilant against temptations and rely on the Holy Spirit's strength to resist them (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Conclusion

The journey of a Christian involves both an immediate transformation and a gradual process of becoming more like Christ. While the new birth gives believers a new nature, the old nature is not completely eradicated. Instead, believers are called to participate in the ongoing work of sanctification, relying on the Holy Spirit, God's Word, prayer, and the support of the Christian community. The ultimate hope lies in the promise of glorification, when believers will be fully conformed to the image of Christ.

Reflecting on this profound truth, let's embrace the journey with faith, knowing that God is faithful and will bring His work in us to completion.

Bible Passages, Verses, or Ideas to Explore

  1. John 3:1-21 - The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus about being born again.
  2. Romans 7:14-25 - Paul's struggle with his old nature.
  3. Galatians 5:16-26 - Walking in the Spirit vs. the works of the flesh.
  4. Philippians 3:12-21 - Pressing toward the goal and the hope of glorification.
  5. Ephesians 4:17-32 - Instructions for living out the new nature in Christ.
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