Do We Have Two Natures in Us: a Sinful Side and a Holy Side that Can’t Sin?
Do We Have Two Natures in Us: a Sinful Side and a Holy Side that Can’t Sin? Romans 7: The Wretched Man and the Battle Within “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24–25) Romans chapter 7 is one of the most vivid passages in Scripture. St. Paul lays bare the human struggle: the desire to do good, yet the constant pull toward sin. Many Christians read this chapter and conclude that believers live with two natures—a sinful nature and a holy nature—locked in constant battle. This interpretation captures something true: the struggle is real. Yet, the Catholic Church offers a more precise way of understanding Paul’s words. — The “Two Natures” View • What some Christians believe:• The believer has two natures within: the sinful flesh and the new spirit. • These two natures fight for supremacy, creating an inner war. • Communion is sometimes described as a “rebirth,” where Christ dwells in us and the...