Does the Believer Have One Nature or Two? (Part 2)

wcombs

Published as a single article in DBSJ 2 (Fall 1997): 81–103. Used by permission.

Part 2 continues Part 1’s consideration of what “nature” means in the “one or two natures” question.

Theological Usage

As was previously noted, the use of the term nature as it relates to the question of one or two natures does not stem primarily from a particular text. Instead, it can more correctly be viewed as a theological term, essential to the discussion at hand, but whose meaning is generally derived from its common, ordinary usage. Webster, for example, defines nature as “the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing: essence, disposition, temperament.”1 Smith helpfully observes that

except when it is used for the material world or universe, the term “nature” does not designate a substance or an entity. Instead, it is a word which refers to the inherent or essential qualities of any substance or entity.2

Discussion

Does the Believer Have One Nature or Two? (Part 1)

wcombs

Published as a single article in DBSJ 2 (Fall 1997): 81–103. Used by permission.

In recent times the popular radio preacher and author, John MacArthur, has attacked the idea of two natures in the believer. He says at one point: “If you are a Christian, it’s a serious misunderstanding to think of yourself as having both an old and new nature. We do not have a dual personality!”1 Similar attacks have come from a number of others. J. I. Packer says: “A widespread but misleading line of teaching tells us that Christians have two natures: an old one and a new one.”2 John Gerstner labels the two-nature viewpoint “Antinomianism.”3 Are these attacks justified? Is it unbiblical to speak of two natures within the believer? This essay purposes to tackle the issue.

Discussion

Why Isn’t There a Greek or Latin Term for ‘Theology of Work’?

SI Filings

“For fun, let’s explore some options…. Vocatio a Deo (from the Latin words vocatio for “calling” and a Deo for ‘from God,’ for ‘calling from God’)….Oikonomology … Praxiology…. Ergology (from ergon – Greek for ‘work’ or ‘deed’).” - IFWE

Discussion

Business and Human Flourishing

SI Filings

“Business harnesses human creativity and energy to benefit mankind in unique and powerful ways. Far from being immoral, business and markets help people develop virtue as they create value and wealth for themselves and others.” - L&L

Discussion

What Is the Creation Mandate—and Does It Still Matter?

SI Filings

“the creation mandate is nonetheless rightly called the dominion mandate, at times—and the cultural mandate, as we’ll see.3 It could just as easily be called the ‘multiply mandate’ or the ‘subduing mandate.’” - Mark Ward

Discussion

A Theology of Woman from Titus 2: Grace-Driven Living and Training

SI Filings

“adapted from Sunday School lessons I wrote several years ago for women and teen girls. The goal was to form a ‘theology of woman’ by looking chronologically at all of the major portions of Scripture regarding women and womanhood. What does the Bible say are the roles, duties, challenges, and opportunities that we have as women?” - Holly Huffstutler

Discussion

When Puppies Replace People

SI Filings

“Dog birthday parties are indeed very telling of our changing view of having children. Why does this matter? God loves people, and even after the fall He sees new human life as a beautiful thing. ” - P&D

Discussion