Natural Man

The term "natural man" in the Bible typically refers to an individual who is not spiritually regenerated or influenced by the Holy Spirit. This concept is most clearly articulated in 1 Corinthians 2:14, where the Apostle Paul writes, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Here, the "natural man" (Greek: psychikos anthropos) is contrasted with the spiritual man, indicating a state of existence where one's understanding and moral compass are guided solely by human reasoning and earthly concerns, rather than by divine wisdom or revelation.In a broader biblical context, the term underscores the distinction between believers, who are seen as spiritually alive and enlightened through their relationship with Christ, and those who remain in a state of spiritual death due to sin. This distinction is echoed in Romans 8:5-6, where Paul describes those who live according to the flesh (the natural man) versus those who live according to the Spirit. Essentially, the "natural man" is emblematic of humanity's fallen state, emphasizing the need for spiritual rebirth and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ, as articulated in John 3:3, where Jesus states, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

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