Free Human Nature In Christianity Essay Sample

We, human beings are distinct from all other beings on this planet due to our nature; we can think, reason and feel. Our ability to reason is what sets us apart and above all other creatures. It enables us to ponder upon the purpose of our existence and derive knowledge from our surroundings. It is our conduct when in a gathering and in loneliness, our behavior when faced with happiness and adversity, our reaction when encountered by failure and success.
The book of Genesis states that man is made from ‘the dust of the ground’. However, it goes on to say that God created man in His image; He bestowed upon us the ability to have an understanding of the purpose of our existence. He gave us the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. We have a free will to obey God’s orders or not. We can deduce logical interpretations of situations and formulate our own results. We have the ability to feel emotions; to love and hate. ‘Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”’ (Genesis 3, 16-19).
Each human being is distinct from the other; with a different personality and identity. Numerous times our faith and conviction is put to test. It is upon us to make the suitable choice; just as Adam and Eve were tested in the Garden of Eden. ‘The Lord God commanded the man, “ You are free to eat from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”’ (Genesis 2, 16-17). This is why humans are superior to other beings; we are the masters of our wills.
It is inevitable for humans to not get distracted by sinful temptations. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” (Matthew, 15-19). There are numerous lethal sins which misguide the gullible human nature. Some succumb to it, while others rise above it. In this choice lies the beauty of human nature; the ability to make our own decisions.
Human nature is often marred by selfish interests and malice. Many decisions are taken due to the selfishness of man to have the best for himself. This gives birth to many other negative traits like jealousy, contempt and hatred. Human nature was deemed virtually perfect until the punishment of Adam and Eve’s disobedience fell upon the entire mankind.
Where there is sin, there is also atonement. As we are the choosers of own paths and makers of our own decisions, we have the ability to steer away from sinful ways towards seeking forgiveness from God. Having a staunch faith is prime for anyone to repent. God’s forgiveness is never out of reach, all that is required is to accept our wrong doings and seek forgiveness from the bottom of our hearts.
It is in human nature to defy the reality of immortality but whenever a God fearing person commits a sin, he feels guilty and promises to not repeat that act. However, when a person does not have that fear in his heart, there is nothing stopping him from living a sinful life. The belief in life after death is the stronghold of repentance. "The time has come," Jesus said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1, 15).
Some people believe strongly that when a person puts his faith in Christ, they get a new nature. It is the process of Sanctification through which God purifies a person’s nature until it resides in heaven for eternity. So, no one is essentially good or evil; if you sin, your faith gives you the choice of atoning for it, all depends on you!