Definition of Human Nature
Christians believe in the doctrine of human nature, which holds that humans are intrinsically flawed and affected by sin, but are also capable of mercy and redemption if they choose to live according to the will of God. Human nature, in Christianity, is the unbending personal aspect of our being intentioned towards good or evil. It is believed that God gave us free will, so that we may choose which path we will follow. This core belief is taught in the Bible, where it is written that God made humans in His image: “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26).
At its most basic level, human nature is deemed to be an expression of our inalienable need for love and acceptance. Christianity teaches that God is a personal being and He wants us to relate to Him as such; as His creations. It is also believed that we are made to receive His unconditional love, as well as to be agents of mercy and forgiveness to others.
Distance from Human Nature
In Christianity, the doctrine of human nature teaches that after the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden—when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command—we became distanced from our original state of purity and holiness. This is the essence of original sin: that our minds and hearts are no longer aligned with God’s will, and our action are often tainted by human desires and motivations. This separation marks a re-ordering of relationships and loyalties, turning us away from God’s will for our lives and into a broken relationship with Him.
In essence, Christianity teaches that human nature is corrupted by the Fall, so our natural desires and inclinations lean towards worldly pursuits. There is a spiritual disconnect between the soul’s state of perfection and the brokenness of our earthly lives. This is what makes us unique amongst the animal kingdom; humans are able to choose between right and wrong, and we have free will.
The Ability to Choose
The concept of free will is key to understanding human nature in Christianity and is closely related to the idea of sin and redemption. It is held to be an essential characteristic of humanity — we are free to choose how we live and how we respond to both our own desires and God’s commandment. This does not mean that we can ignore God’s laws, but rather that we are gifted with a moral conscience which guides us in discerning between the attitudes and actions that are pleasing to Him and those that are not.
God made humans in His image, with the capacity to make decisions and follow through on them. As part of the Fall, this ability became corrupted so that our decision-making is not always in line with God’s will. However, by embracing the truths of Christianity, we can begin to choose a path in cooperation with His will.
Temptation and Sin
An inevitable part of human nature is the struggle between our earthly desires and the teachings of the Bible; between temptation and redemption. As humans, we are constantly bombarded by temptation and gravitating towards satisfying our natural wants and needs – such as greed, envy and pride.
In Christianity, all human actions are seen through God’s eyes, and all choices can be understood in terms of the moral code set out by the Bible. We are tempted to break His law, but it is only in turning away from the world and towards His will that we can find true fulfillment. By resisting temptation and following what we know to be right, we live in the way which is most pleasing to God.
The Need for Redemption
Human nature, in Christianity, is corrupted by sin and our tendency is to turn away from God; to distance ourselves from Him. This leaves us needing redemption, an act which only God can provide. He gives us mercy and grace in abundance, offering us the chance to be reconciled to Him and to live a life of righteousness.
In the Bible, it is written that Jesus Christ is the way to redemption and everlasting life: “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). God sent Jesus, His only Son, to die for our sins, so that we may be cleansed and reconciled to Him. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we can be restored to a position of fullness and goodness.
The Sanctification Process
In Christianity, the concept of sanctification is closely linked to human nature. Through sanctification, we strive to bring our lives in line with God’s will, continually seeking to align our desires and behavior with His standards. This is done through prayer and meditating on God’s Word, as well as by repenting of our transgressions and seeking forgiveness.
The sanctification process is a journey of constant change, in which we are guided by the Holy Spirit and equip ourselves with the tools we need to remain faithful to God’s teachings. In acquiring these tools we become even closer to Him and grow in our knowledge of Him, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of human nature in Christianity.
Consequences of Sin
One cannot underestimate the power and consequences of sin. The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It is only by turning our hearts away from sin and back to God that we may receive forgiveness and reclaim our position as beloved children of God.
However, when we turn away from the Lord the consequences can be dire — leading to physical, psychological, and spiritual suffering. Sin takes an enormous physical and mental toll on individuals, but also affects our relationships with others and God. In order to be in harmony with God, and with ourselves, it is important for us to continually make choices and take actions that honor his plan for human nature.
Conclusion
In summary, human nature in Christianity teaches us that we have a spiritual side which has the potential for good, but can also be corrupted by sin. We have been given the gift of free will, which allows us to make choices in accordance with our conscience and the teachings of the Bible. Through sanctification and repentance, we can strive to align our lives with God’s will, and through Jesus Christ we can receive forgiveness and eternal life.
