I believe Paul in Romans seven revealed a dual-naturism within the Christian. Our personality isn’t equated with our nature because I believe the nature determines the personality, so it’s unlike a split personality as in schizophrenia. I’ve yet to encounter scriptural support for the concept that our original nature or “old man” is eradicated at rebirth.
“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.” Rom 6:6, 7. Can one who is crucified still be alive? Yes and our old nature is still on the cross while simultaneously attempting to continue to rule.
One has stated that the crucifixion of our old nature is like a mutiny at sea because the captain was too hideous to follow so he was chained to the mast and they began to listen to the new captain. But during the remainder of the voyage they could still hear the old captain yelling orders. Since they knew he was powerless they didn’t obey him and also knew that he would be dealt with when they get to shore.
Sin still indwells the Christian (Rom 7:17, 18, 20, 21) but no longer as a ruler (Rom 6:12, 14). We are dead to it (Rom 6:2) but it is alive to us. This is why “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Gal 5:17.
“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [Him], that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.” Rom 6:6, 7. Can one who is crucified still be alive? Yes and our old nature is still on the cross while simultaneously attempting to continue to rule.
One has stated that the crucifixion of our old nature is like a mutiny at sea because the captain was too hideous to follow so he was chained to the mast and they began to listen to the new captain. But during the remainder of the voyage they could still hear the old captain yelling orders. Since they knew he was powerless they didn’t obey him and also knew that he would be dealt with when they get to shore.
Sin still indwells the Christian (Rom 7:17, 18, 20, 21) but no longer as a ruler (Rom 6:12, 14). We are dead to it (Rom 6:2) but it is alive to us. This is why “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Gal 5:17.
