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Our Two Natures: Gaining the Victory!

Our Two Natures: Gaining the Victory!

I would like to know from a psychological and also from a Biblical point of view, does a Christian really have two natures? In other words can a converted person have a new born again nature and an old carnal nature at the same time or is a born again person completely free from the old man?

What does Psychology have to say about this?


This question ties in perfectly with our discussion in SS class yesterday and a f/u point I wanted to make, so thanks for sending it.

The short answer is, yes, we have two natures, but it was not always this way, and will not always be this way.

In the beginning there was only one – one principle, one method, one motive, one attitude, one religion, one God – love, selfless, other-centered love. This was the original nature of mankind, perfect beneficent, giving, other-centered love.

But now there are two. Because of Adam’s sin humanity became infected with an antagonistic principle, a principle that is the opposite of love, a method that is opposed to giving, a motive that wars with beneficence, an attitude that is hostile to others, a religion that undermines trust, a god who is to be feared.

Because of Adam’s sin humanity was changed from beings operating only on perfect other-centered love and trust, to minds and hearts filled with fear and selfishness, which is commonly called, “survival-of-the-fittest.” Today we each struggle against the inherent desire to promote self, protect self and exalt self.

Sadly, modern psychiatry/psychology would say the “survival-of-the-fittest” instinct is normal, and healthy, and part of our evolutionary history and vital for adaptation and survival. But, such a conclusion is wrong. This me-first instinct, is what the Bible describes as “the law of sin and death” and is Satan’s infection to God’s creation. We are all, born into this condition, which, if unremedied, is terminal. (Ps 51:5).

Thankfully, because of God’s love and grace, He did not abandon us to this infection of selfishness and fear, but began intervening in our hearts and minds with His Spirit to draw, woo and influence us back to Him. We each have a desire from something better, to be free from fear and selfishness. Yet despite that desire, we, of ourselves, cannot change our hearts/minds/characters and be free of this destructive motive.

Therefore, Christ came to restore God’s perfect love/nature into the species human and destroy the infection of fear and selfishness. Because of Christ’s victory, each of us is privileged to receive, as a free gift, the very “mind of Christ” via the indwelling Spirit.

From the moment of conversion until glorification, the converted man has a daily battle between his renewed heart of love, and his inherited nature of fear and selfishness. Day by day, through a relationship with Christ, we may choose to trust Him and experience victories over our old nature. In such a relationship we grow daily in love until the day Christ returns and frees us permanently from fear and selfishness and then again there will be only one, one perfect unified creation operating upon love for God and each other.

This is the point I wanted to make in SS class yesterday. The scriptures tell us:

“we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5).

When we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, when we are mistreated, when others spread falsehoods about us, turn their backs on us, send letters which misrepresent us and otherwise say evil against us, our carnal natures will be tempted to “protect self,” to retaliate, to lash back.

But, such times are the very opportunities to experience God’s healing of our minds and hearts. It is when we are faced with such temptations that we have the opportunity to surrender our hearts and minds to God, to trust Him with our lives, our reputations, our circumstances. It is at such times we can choose to love our enemies, to refrain from retaliation, to say no to the temptation to “protect self” and instead trust God and love others. And in so doing, we open the heart to God and He pours His love into our hearts.

And, because God is love, this means He pours Himself into our hearts! We become partakers of the divine nature! Our neural circuits actually rewire! The part of the brain that governs, that loves, that empathizes, that is compassionate grows stronger, and the fear circuits grow weaker. We actually become more and more like Jesus!

It is when we are faced with maltreatment from others that we stand at the door of transformation, at the precipice of renewal, at the border of freedom – freedom from that old life of fear and selfishness. Let us surrender our lives to Christ resist the temptation to retaliate and instead, love as He has loved us!

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We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

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I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

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I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 61

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Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

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God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

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N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

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B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 21

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