A New Nature
Perhaps a explanation of what the term “nature” means, would be helpful:
Nature is the inclination of the heart and mind, and the characteristics of that creature.
As man, our nature comes from Adam, our first parent.
As born again man, our new nature comes from Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Romans 5:12 “Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
When Adam sinned, death passed to his children…..spiritual death, which is separation from God, and physical death…to those of his nature: to all men.
For we are all Adam’s children, and all have his nature, or characteristics.
(Mark 7:20-23)
God in all His Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, made a way for us to be justified before God, and saved from our sins; for He loved us.
1 John 4:9 “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”
That way was for God’s Son, Jesus Christ, to come to earth and live a perfect life; then become obedient unto death, and pay the price for our sins; be raised the third day and make a way for our eternal life.
This He did. A way, then, was opened up for life, His life (nature) to pass on to His children, to those who have received Him.
Those who are born again.
John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:”
Ephesians 2:1 “And you hath He quickened (gave life) who were dead in trespasses and sins;”
The Holy Spirit, Who abides with us forever, imparts Christ’s nature to us, giving us faith.
Romans 5:18-19 “Therefore as by the offense of one judgement came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of One the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous.”
We are made righteous: Think of it! Sinners made righteous, or not guilty before a Holy God!
By the merits of Jesus Christ, who sought us, and saved us from our sin!
Romans 4:7 “Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered.”
But this is not all. Jesus Christ gives His new nature, His inclination and character; so that we may walk in light all our days.
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
We were in darkness, fear, and anger; now we are in light, and can have joy and peace.
Ephesians 5:8-9 “ For we were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)”
His new nature within us gives us access to come to God as our Father, receiving all the Father has for us, as His children; through the merits of Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”
“Spiritual blessings in Christ”……but the wonderful thing is….that we are “in Christ”….
Ephesians 2:6 “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”
We are in Christ, and He is in us.
In Christ we have access to all the heavenly blessings God has for us
So all that the Father has set aside for us….can be in us, and for us….here and now; because we are “in Christ Jesus” and He is in us.
His new nature within us, implanted by the Holy Spirit, gives us the graces and the power to use them that we need.
To love Him.
To grow in grace.
To know His will.
To be empowered to do His will.
To obtain the many promises He has for us.
New Life is not just receiving Heaven; but receiving His new nature and becoming all we can be, to His praise and glory.
Ephesians 1:17-20 “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you….
The Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;
That ye may know what is the hope of His calling,
And what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
And what is the exceeding greatness of His power in us-ward who believe,….
According to the working of His mighty power which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,”
He has this for us…wisdom, revelation by knowing Jesus more, understanding, hope, spiritual riches, power in us….that same power that raised Jesus from the dead….working in us….
To raise us up in our everyday struggles and trials.
Let us praise our Lord for what He has for us….and more….let us use it.
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 