Nature – The Natural World and Human Temperament

Exploring the biblical understanding of nature – both as the created world that reveals God's glory, and as the inner disposition that shapes human behaviour.

The Natural World and God's Purpose

The care of the earth was entrusted to humanity, who were given supremacy over the other forms of created life. The resources of the earth were provided for humanity's benefit, to be used responsibly but not abused (Gen 1:28, 2:15, 9:1-3; Ps 115:16). Nature is to be respected and admired, but worship is reserved exclusively for God (Ex 20:4-6; Deut 4:15-20; Rom 1:25). The natural world reveals the handiwork of God, convincing many people of His existence (Ps 19:1-6; Rom 1:19-20). The vast multitude of different expressions in nature shows an infinite God of power, beauty and intricate detail, who keeps all things in place by the word of His power (Heb 1:3).

Various laws or principles of orderliness and consistency – such as gravity, the seasons, and sowing and reaping – govern the realm of nature. The immense power of nature, from the thunderstorm to the earthquake, is a vivid testimony to the majesty and sovereignty of God. Yet when mankind sinned in the Garden of Eden, all of nature came under a curse (Gen 3:17-18; Rom 8:19-22). Natural disasters such as floods, storms and other climatic phenomena are a consequence of this fallen state – but even these forces remain subject to God's authority and supreme power over creation.

Various laws and principles of orderliness govern the realm of nature

Human Nature and the Fall

We can only act according to our nature, and physically we were born with a sinful nature (Ps 51:5). The fall of humanity affected not only the physical world but also the inner nature of every person. Because of sin, the natural human disposition is inclined away from God, and this sinful nature permeates every aspect of human life and experience. This inherited sinful nature means that without divine intervention, humanity remains bound to patterns of thought, desire and behaviour that are contrary to God's design. The sinful nature is not merely a collection of bad habits; it is a deep-rooted condition that affects the will, the mind and the heart (Rom 7:14-25; Jas 1:14-15; 1 Pet 5:8). Jesus said of the devil, "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (Jn 8:44) – living out his nature, which is deception.

We can only act according to our nature – and we were born with a sinful one

The New Nature in Christ

It is God's desire that we repent of our sin and turn from this sin-corrupted nature and lifestyle, accepting in its place the godly nature, which is at the heart of salvation (2 Cor 5:17). Once we are believers we are to live by the new master's rule of "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" and "Put off the old and put on the new" (Gal 5:16; Eph 4:22-24). John the Baptist said, "Jesus must increase and I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). We should reflect the character qualities of Jesus as typified by the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). Christ's Kingdom should be continually advancing in our lives, replacing corruption with His truth and life.

Which nature is most evident in my life?

As Christians, we still have resident within us the old nature, but it is our continual choice whether we respond to it or reckon it to be dead and live the new life in Christ (Rom 6:6,11-14, 8:2). Paul said, "I die daily" to the old nature and live the new life in Christ by faith (1 Cor 15:31; Gal 2:20). It is exchanging our past sinful nature for His divine nature (2 Pet 1:4). However, we still sin on a regular basis, as the sinful nature is always looking for an opportunity to capitalise on any areas of weakness. As Christians, we do not intentionally pursue that ungodly pathway deeply entrenched in our humanity (1 Jn 3:4-10). We reap what we sow – feeding the sinful nature results in spiritual death, while sowing to please the Lord will result in eternal life (Rom 8:6,13; Gal 6:7-8).

Reflection and Application:

In what areas of my life is the old sinful nature still exerting influence?
How can I more consistently "walk by the Spirit" and display the fruit of the Holy Spirit?
What does it mean practically to "put off the old and put on the new" in my daily routines?
Am I sowing to please the Lord, or am I feeding the sinful nature?