Man?s Nature: One?s Invisible Metaphysical Imprint and the Bible

television set – and also be one who “loves to be first,” ambitiously striving for “chief seats” in some synagogue … or its equivalent (2Thes 3:11, 3Jn 9 and Mk 12:39). Paul said that “death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of Adam’s offense” (Ro 5:12-15). Cain, Lamech, Balaam and all the rest, sinned differently than Adam … attracted by different “forbidden fruits.” Not all sin natures are created equal.

Moral Weaknesses

In addition to these bents, each person also has areas of moral weakness. Jesus, who did not have a sin nature, was “tempted in all ways just as we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15). The phrase, “just as we are” is “kath homoiotata” – “according to similarity.” We are tempted … even in areas where we possess no bent. I think of this as a “weak spot,” or “soft spot,” that is subject to some moral challenge. These vulnerabilities may have more to do with the struggle to obey God’s revealed will in a given situation – as opposed to the outright seeking of some prohibited activity that “an inclination” would stimulate. I examine some of Jesus’ temptations (and the dynamics as asserted in the previous statement) in, “The Nature of Jesus’ Temptations and the Bible.” I think you will find this of great interest.

Temptation

James tells us “each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (Ja 1:14,15). While temptation often plays off one’s particular sin

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