For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. – Romans 7:18
Created in God’s Image
As we explore the nature of man, we cannot forget that we were made in the likeness of our Creator. This unique aspect sets us apart from all other creations. We possess the ability to reason, create, and form relationships. Being created in God’s image means we reflect His character in many ways, and it invites us to seek our identity in Him. This should inspire us to act with love, kindness, and justice, reflecting His goodness as we navigate through life. We are called to live by His example while understanding our own frailty.
Genesis 1:27
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139:14
James 3:9
With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. – James 3:9
Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. – Genesis 2:7
Colossians 3:10
And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. – Colossians 3:10
Human Sinfulness
While being created in God’s image is a beautiful aspect of our nature, we must acknowledge that we also carry a sinful nature. Our hearts can be inclined towards wrongdoing. It is a reality that every one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Recognizing this truth helps us avoid pride and leads us to humility, which ultimately brings us closer to Jesus. We should not despair in our struggles but rather lean on the grace given to us through Christ.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23
Isaiah 53:6
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:6
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23
Ephesians 2:1
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins. – Ephesians 2:1
The Call to Repentance
Recognizing our sinful nature is not the end of the journey, but rather the beginning of a beautiful transformation through Christ. Repentance allows us to turn away from sin and align ourselves with God’s will. We are blessed to know that when we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us. Embracing repentance encourages us to grow spiritually, strengthening our relationship with God and producing a life that is filled with His love and joy. Through repentance, we acknowledge our need for Him.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9
Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that he will forgive your sins. The times of refreshing may come from the Lord. – Acts 3:19
Matthew 4:17
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” – Matthew 4:17
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Luke 13:3
I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. – Luke 13:3
The Power of Grace
The nature of man is not solely defined by our sinfulness. God’s grace plays a monumental role in our lives. It enables us to rise above our failures and shortcomings. Grace teaches us that we are loved despite our flaws. It empowers us to live lives that reflect Christ’s character as we rely on His strength rather than our own. Knowing that our identity is rooted in grace frees us to pursue a relationship with God without fear or shame.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. – Titus 2:11
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:16
The Hope of New Creation
Our nature does not have to remain in a state of sin and brokenness. Through Christ, we have the hope of being transformed into a new creation. When we accept Him into our lives, we are not only forgiven but also made new. This promise offers us confidence that we can grow and mature in our faith. As we live out our new identity, we are called to share this gift of renewal with others. Our story can become one of hope that draws others to Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Colossians 1:13
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. – Colossians 1:13
Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6
Ephesians 1:4
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. – Ephesians 1:4
Living Out Our Faith
As we grasp the nature of man, we see that our identity and purpose are intimately connected to our belief in Christ. In our daily lives, we are encouraged to reflect this truth by living out our faith through love and good works. We are called to love our neighbors and act justly. Our faith should inspire us to impact our communities positively, showcasing the light of Christ in our words and actions. We can bear witness to the power of God’s love by embodying it in our relationships.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. – Colossians 3:23
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13
John 13:34-35
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. – John 13:34-35
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9
Stewardship of Our Lives
Understanding the nature of man also means acknowledging our responsibility as stewards of the gifts and talents God has entrusted to us. Our lives are not our own, and we have a calling to serve God’s purpose in the world. We can use our time, skills, and resources to bless others. By living with purpose, we reflect God’s love and grace, and we aim to make a positive difference in the lives around us. We are called to cultivate our gifts for His glory.
Matthew 25:14-15
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. – Matthew 25:14-15
1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10
Luke 16:10
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. – Luke 16:10
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. – Ecclesiastes 9:10
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. – Romans 12:1
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the nature of man, we find ourselves embracing both our remarkable potential and our flaws. We are made in God’s image and yet recognize our sinfulness and need for grace. Through repentance, we experience transformation and embark on a path filled with hope. Living out our faith encourages us to serve one another and be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts bestowed upon us, journeying together in our individual and collective growth in Christ. I invite you to explore other significant topics such as the depravity of man and the evil of man to deepen our understanding of ourselves and God’s light in our lives.